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FROM   THE   LIBRARY   OF 


REV.   LOUIS    FITZGERALD    BENSON,   D.  D. 


BEQUEATHED    BY   HIM   TO 

THE   LIBRARY  OF 

PRINCETON   THEOLOGICAL   SEMINARY 


Sc5 
/5,  £7/ 


Digitized  by  the  Internet  Archive 

in  2012  with  funding  from 

Princeton  Theological  Seminary  Library 


http://archive.org/details/importanceOOwinc 


TIIE 


A  OCT  27  1937 
I M  P  O  R  T  A  N  C  SS%0fi|CAL  c,av#' 


OF 


FAMILY   RELIGION; 

WITH   A    SELECTION    OF 

PRAYERS   AND    HYMNS, 

ADAPTED  TO  FAMILY  WORSHIP; 

AND  TABLES 

FOR   THE   REGULAR  READING   OF   THE   SCRIPTURES. 


REV.  S.  G.  WINCHESTER,  A.  31. 


■As  for  me  and  my  house,  we  will  serve  the  Lord." 

Josh.  xxiv.  15. 


SECOND  EDITION. 


yitftattelpJua: 

GRIGG  &  ELLIOT,  No.  9,  N.  FOURTH  STREET. 
1840. 


Entered  according  to  the  act  of  Congress,  in  the  year  1835, 
by  Grigg  &  Elliot,  in  the  clerk's  office  of  the  district  court, 
for  the  eastern  district  of  Pennsylvania. 


PRINTED   BY  T.   K.   AND   P.   C.   COLLINS. 


PREFACE. 


No  apology  is  needed  for  adding  another  to 
the  number  of  works  on  the  subject  of  family 
religion,  already  before  the  public.  The  incal- 
culable importance  of  the  subject,  justifies  every 
effort  to  secure  for  it,  a  serious  and  prayerful 
consideration.  This  book  is  designed  to  point 
out  the  duty  and  advantages  of  family  devotion, 
and  to  aid  in  its  regular  observance. 

Its  object  is  not  to  supersede  all  extempora- 
neous devotion,  but  to  encourage  and  assist 
those  who,  from  time  to  time,  begin  to  perform 
the  duty,  and  who  may  have  little  or  no  confi- 
dence in  their  own  ability  to  do  it  acceptably 
and  for  edification. 

We  are  not  among  the  number  of  those  who 
condemn  indiscriminately  all  forms,  but  only  the 
abuse  of  them.  Indeed,  we  have,  in  common 
with  others,  sometimes  joined  in  an  extempora- 
neous prayer,  where  the  use  of  a  devout  and  judi- 
cious form,  would  have  been  far  more  comfortable 
and  edifying.  The  desultory  and  tautological 
character  of  some  such  prayers,  added  to  their 
unreasonable  and  tedious  length,  is  calculated  to 


iv  PREFACE. 

suppress,  rather  than  excite  devotion ;  and  often 
renders  irksome  and  unprofitable,  what  should  be 
a  delightful  and  highly  beneficial  exercise.  Par- 
ticularly should  these  defects  be  guarded  against 
in  family  worship,  where  sometimes,  in  conse- 
quence of  them,  a  portion  of  the  company  are 
prayed  asleep,  and  the  rest,  into  any  thing  but  a 
devotional  frame  of  mind.  The  object  which 
should  always  be  aimed  at,  in  divine  worship,  is 
edification,  and  the  glory  of  God :  should  this 
volume  be  instrumental  in  effecting  such  a  pur- 
pose, the  design  of  its  publication  will  be  fully 
accomplished. 

To  the  heads  of  families  it  is  respectfully  dedi- 
cated ;  to  the  glory  of  God  it  is  humbly  devoted  ; 
and  to  his  favour  and  blessing  it  is  prayerfully 
commended. 

Philadelphia,  January,  1836. 


TABLE  OF    CONTENTS. 


Page 

Essay  on  the  Importance  of  Family  Religion 13 

First  week  of  Morning  and  Evening  Prayers 77 

Second  week 110 

Third  week 144 

Fourth  week 175 

OCCASIONAL  PRAYERS. 

A  morning  prayer  for  the  first  Monday  in  the  Month 211 

A  prayer  for  the  last  evening  of  the  Old  Year 214 

A  prayer  for  the  first  morning  of  the  New  Year 216 

A  prayer  for  the  morning  of  a  Fast  Day 219 

A  prayer  for  the  morning  of  a  thanksgiving  day 221 

A  prayer  when  any  member  of  the  family  is  sick 223 

A  prayer  when  any  member  of  the  family  is  dangerously  ill 224 

A  family  thanksgiving  for  recovery  from  sickness 225 

A  prayer  for  Christmas  Day  morning 226 

A  prayer  for  Christmas  Day  evening 227 

A  prayer  upon  the  death  of  dear  friends 228 

A  prayer  in  the  view  of  journeying 229 

A  thanksgiving  for  a  safe  return  from  a  journey 230 

A  prayer  for  rain 231 

A  prayer  for  fair  weather 231 

A  prayer  to  be  used  in  secret  by  the  head  of  a  family 232 

Prayers  and  thanksgivings  at  Table 234 

HYMNS. 

Morning  Hymns 235 

Evening  Hymns 243 

Morning  or  Evening  Hymns 253 

Sabbath  Morning  or  Evening  Hymns 255 

Miscellaneous  Hymns 271 

1* 


INDEX  OF  THE  FIRST  LINES  OF  HYMNS. 

A. 

Again  the  Lord  of  life  and  light 261 

Again  our  weekly  labours  end 256 

All  hail !  the  glorious  morn 266 

And  now  another  week  begins 2G0 

Another  six  days'  work  is  done 264 

Angels,  roll  the  rock  away 268 

Another  day  is  past 250 

Arise  our  souls !  with  rapture  rise 242 

As  when  the  weary  traveller  gains 272 

At  anchor  laid,  remote  from  home -  ..-:■ 

Awake,  our  drowsy  souls 258 

Awake,  my  soul,  in  joyful  lays 298 

Awake,  ye  saints,  awake 269 

B. 

Begin  my  soul  the  morning  song 235 

Beset  with  snares  on  ev'ry  hand 281 

Begone,  unbelief!  my  Saviour  is  near 290 

Brightness  of  the  Father's  glory 273 

C. 

Christ,  whose  glory  fills  the  skies 240 

Come,  dearest  Lord !  and  bless  this  day 255 

Come,  Holy  Spirit,  heavenly  Dove 279 

Come,  let  us  join  with  sweet  accord 255 

Come,  let  our  hearts  and  voices  join 273 

Come,  let  us  join  our  cheerful  songs 282 

Come  tune,  ye  saints,  your  noblest  strains 262 

Come,  thou  Fount  of  every  blessing 285 

Come,  thou  Almighty  King 292 

D. 
Dread  Sov'reign,  let  my  evening  song, 243 

E. 
Eternal  Lord!  from  land  to  land 295 

F. 

Father,  by  saints  on  earth  adored 244 

Father  of  all,  thy  care  we  bless 271 

Father  of  all,  whose  tender  love 286 

Frequent  the  day  of  God  returns 270 

G. 

Glory  to  triee,  my  God,  this  night 244 

Great  God,  to  thee  my  evening  song 245 

Great  God  !  this  sacred  day  of  thine 256 


INDEX*  OF  FIRST  LINES.  vii 

H. 

How  blest  the  sacred  tie  that  binds 275 

How  firm  a  foundation,  ye  saints  of  the  Lord 281 

How  precious  is  the  book  divine 274 

How  sweet  the  name  of  Jesus  sounds 298 

I. 

I  and  ray  house  will  serve  the  Lord 272 

I  love  to  steal  awhile  away 252 

In.sleep's  serene  oblivion  laid 236 

Indulgent  Father,  by  whose  care 215 

Inspirer  and  hearer  of  prayer 251 

Indulgent  God,  whose  bounteous  care 251 

Indulgent  Father,  how  divine 254 

In  vain  we  seek  for  peace  with  God 275 

In  all  my  ways,  O  God , 276 

In  sin  by  blinded  passions  led 276 

I  would  not  live  alvvay:  I  ask  not  to  stay 297 

J. 
Jesus !  lover  of  my  soul 293 

L. 

Lord,  in  the  morning  thou  shalt  hear 257 

Lord  of  my  life,  O  may  thy  praise 235 

Lord,  thou  wilt  hear  me  when  I  pray 248 

Love  divine,  all  love  excelling 283 

M. 

My  God,  accept  my  early  vows 253 

My  God,  how  endless  is  thy  love 253 

My  God,  my  Father!  blissful  name 296 

My  God!  who  makes  the  sun  to  know 240 

My  opening  eyes  with  rapture  see 261 

N. 

Never  leave  us,  nor  forsake  us ... .  '. 277 

Now  from  the  altar  of  our  hearts 247 

Now  to  the  Lamb  that  once  was  slain 278 

Now  the  shades  of  night  are  gone 238 

O 

O  for  a  heart  to  praise  my  God 299 

Oh,  for  a  closer  walk  with  God 293 

Oh,  could  I  find,  from  day  to  day 289 

O  Lord,  another  day  is  flown 247 

Once  more  my  eyes  behold  the  day, 237 

Once  more,  my  soul,  the  rising  day 237 

O  Thou,  my  light,  my  life,  my  joy 277 

O  that  my  load  of  sin  were  gone 279 

O  Thou  who  driest  the  mourner's  tear 296 


via  INDEX  OF  FIRST  LINES. 

R. 

Rise,  my  soul,  and  stretch  thy  wings 284 

Rock  of  ages!  cleft  for  me 282 

S. 

Safely  through  another  week 271 

Saviour,  breathe  an  evening  blessing, 247 

See  how  the  mounting  sun 241 

See  what  a  living  stone 263 

Softly  now  the  light  of  day 252 

Sweet  as  the  Shepherd's  tuneful  reed 294 

Sweet  is  the  work,  my  God,  my  King 262 

T. 

Thou,  gracious  Lord,  art  my  defence 239 

Thou,  that  dost  my  life  prolong 239 

The  rising  morn  can  not  ensure 241 

Thy  glory,  Lord,  the  heavens  display 242 

The  night  shall  hear  us  raise  our  songs 246 

Through  the  day  thy  love  has  spared  us 248 

This  is  the  day  the  Lord  hath  made 259 

Thus  far  the  Lord  has  led  me  on 249 

The  day  is  past  and  gone 250 

This  is  the  day  the  Lord  hath  made 263 

Thine  earthly  Sabbaths,  Lord,  we  love 269 

Thy  goodness,  Lord,  our  souls  confess 278 

The  voice  of  free  grace,  cries,  Escape  to  the  mountain 288 

The  sound  of  salvation  is  echoed  afar 291 

To-day  the  Saviour  rose 265 

To  Jesus,  the  crown  of  my  hope 280 

W. 

Welcome,  delightful  morn 259 

Welcome,  sweet  day  of  rest 265 

What  sinners  val  ue  I  resign 280 

When  marshall'd  on  the  nightly  plain 283 

When  gathering  clouds  around  I  view 286 

Who  is  this  that  comes  from  Edom 289 

Whilst  thee  I  seek,  protecting  Power 291 

When  streaming  from  the  eastern  6kies 254 

Y. 

Yes !  the  Redeemer  rose 267 

Ye  angels  who  stand  round  the  throne 287 


TABLES — for  the  Regular  Perusal  of  the  Holy  Scriptures  for  every  day  in  the 
year.  By  William  Stones.  By  this  plan,  the  Psalms  and  New  Testament  will  be 
read  twice,  and  the  Old  Testament  once  in  each  year. 


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v.145-176 

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FAMILY   RELIGION 


CHAPTER  I. 

SECTION  I. 

God,  the  Creator  of  man,  established  the  family  consti- 
tution. "  God  setteth  the  solitary  in  families,"  Ps.  lxviii. 
6.  As  to  the  design  of  this  constitution,  we  are  expressly 
informed  in  Malachi  ii.  15.  "And  did  not  he  make  one? 
Yet  had  he  the  residue  of  the  Spirit.  And  wherefore  one  1 
That  he  might  seek  a  godly  seed."  And  it  is  declared 
that  "  a  seed  shall  serve  him,"  Ps.  xxii.  30.  When  God 
ordains  an  end,  all  the  means  requisite  for  its  accomplish- 
ment are  necessarily  implied,  and  sometimes  specifically 
prescribed.  If  then  the  design  of  God,  in  the  family  con- 
stitution, be  to  raise  up  a  holy  seed  to  serve  him,  it  is  in- 
cumbent on  those  who  have  the  charge  of  families  to  train 
them  up  with  a  special  view  to  this  declared  end,  other- 
wise it  will  be  presumption  to  expect  that  this  end  will  be 
answered. 

From  the  nature  and  design  of  the  family  constitution, 
therefore,  arises  a  solemn  duty  resting  upon  parents  and 
masters,  to  train  up  their  children  and  servants  in  the  way 
in  which  they  should  go,  in  the  nurture  and  admonition 
of  the  Lord,  so  that  when  they  come  to  the  years  of  dis- 
cretion and  self-government,  they  may  not  depart  from  it, 
but  become  "  a  godly  seed"  to  serve  the  Lord. 

The  family  constitution  is  the  original,  elementary,  and 
therefore  the  simplest  form  of  society.  All  public  com- 
munities, whether  civil  or  ecclesiastical,  are  composed  of 

2 


14  FAMILY  RELIGION. 

families.  The  forms  of  public  societies,  and  their  modes 
of  government,  have  undergone,  and  are  still  undergoing, 
great  and  important  changes ;  but  that  of  the  family  re- 
mains, amid  all  these  revolutions,  essentially  the  same  as 
when  originally  constituted.  This  is  the  only  form  of  go- 
vernment, whose  claim  to  Divine  appointment  has  not 
been  questioned  or  denied.  To  this  appointment,  as  well 
as  to  the  nature  of  the  institution  itself,  may  be  attributed, 
under  the  purpose-accomplishing  providence  of  its  Great 
Founder,  the  perpetuity  of  its  existence  and  form.  Fami- 
lies continue  on  the  earth,  that  the  wise  object  of  theii 
establishment,  may  be  effected. 

Families  are  the  appointed  nurseries  of  both  Church 
and  State.  They  are  to  furnish  civil  society  with  virtu- 
ous and  wTorthy  members,  and  the  church  with  active, 
useful,  and  devoted  Christians.  Both  worlds  may,  there- 
fore, be  said  to  meet  in  the  family  society,  and  bring  with 
them  those  considerations  which  enhance  to  an  awful  de- 
gree, the  weighty  responsibilities  which  rest  upon  the  fa- 
mily head.  From  this  divinely  established  fountain  of 
influences,  shall  issue  blessings  or  curses  upon  the  nation 
and  the  Church.  Into  this  fountain,  then,  must  be  thrown 
the  salt,  that  its  streams  may  be  purified  and  purifying. 
Otherwise  they  will  convey  pollution  and  death  whither- 
soever they  flow. 

The  head  of  a  family  sustains  to  his  household  the  three- 
fold relation  of  a  king,  a  prophet,  and  a  priest  As  a 
king,  he  rules  his  house,  and  administers  its  government. 
As  a  prophet,  it  is  his  business  to  impart  suitable  instruc- 
tion to  his  children  and  servants.  And  as  a  priest,  he 
should  conduct  the  worship,  and  lead  the  social  devotions 
of  the  family.  These  duties  are  strictly  of  a  religious 
character,  and  are  enjoined  by  Divine  authority.  They 
arise  naturally  out  of  the  family  constitution ;  and  their 


FAMILY  RELIGION.  15 

conscientious  and  faithful  performance,  with  the  Divine 
blessing,  can  alone  secure  the  great  end  of  that  institution. 
To  a  plain  but  careful  examination  of  these  duties,  the 
reader's  attention  is  now  invited. 

SECTION  II. 

The  parent  is  the  divinely  constituted  head  and  lord 
of  his  family.  The  authority  which  he  possesses  is  not 
usurped,  but  is  delegated  to  him  by  the  source  of  all  au- 
thority. It  belongs  to  the  station  which  he  occupies,  and 
to  which  he  has  been  called  by  the  providence  of  God. 
He  is  invested  with  certain  legislative  and  executive  pre- 
rogatives. He  has  committed  to  his  supervision  a  most 
interesting  and  important  charge ;  and  to  God,  the  Judge 
of  all,  he  must  one  day  render  an  account  of  his  steward- 
ship. Nor  is  he  left  without  ample  instruction  as  to  his 
duties,  and  the  manner  in  which  he  should  discharge  them. 
The  Scriptures  are  a  safe  and  sufficient  guide  in  this  mat- 
ter. The  inspired  volume  should  be  the  man  of  his  coun- 
sel. It  abounds  with  precept  and  example,  bearing  directly 
on  the  subject  of  parental  duty  and  responsibility. 

These  duties  and  responsibilities  are  weighty  and  so- 
lemn. An  adequate  conception  of  their  magnitude,  might 
make  even  an  angel  tremble  to  assume  them.  Parents, 
remotely  and  instrumentally,  control  the  nations  of  the 
earth,  by  forming  and  directing  public  sentiment  and  feel- 
ing. They  wield  the  sceptre  of  authority,  though  visibly 
held  by  the  hands  of  a  few.  They  enact  and  execute  the 
laws,  by  training  the  minds  and  habits  of  those  who  be- 
come lawgivers  and  judges.  And  they,  humanly  speak- 
ing, decide  the  character  and  destiny  of  their  respective 
generations,  both  for  this  world  and  the  next.  How  stu- 
pendous the  power,  how  awful  the  responsibilities  of  pa- 
rents ! 


16  FAMILY  RELIGION. 

The  parent  is  a  sovereign  in  his  family.  His  word  is 
law  to  his  household.  The  apostle  Paul  enjoins,  "  chil- 
dren, obey  your  parents  in  the  Lord."  Eph.  vi.  1.  The 
decalogue  enjoins,  "  Honour  thy  father  and  mother."  This 
is  the  first  commandment  with  a  promise.  Servants  are 
exhorted  to  be  obedient  to  their  masters  according  to  the 
flesh.  Eph.  vi.  5.  God  said  of  Abraham,  "  I  know  him, 
that  he  will  command  his  children  and  his  household  after 
him."  Gen.  xviii.  19.  Here  is  the  existence  of  rightful 
authority,  and  a  command  to  render  it  due  obedience. 
No  human  authority  can  interfere  with,  nor  contravene 
that  of  a  parent  over  his  family.  The  civil  arm  reaches 
beyond  its  legitimate  sphere,  when  it  presumes  to  obtrude 
its  power  into  the  domestic  circle.  Even  the  most  abso- 
lute monarch  is  compelled  to  respect  the  family  authority : 
for  "  no  king  can  be  secure  on  his  throne,  where  no  sub- 
ject is  safe  in  his  house." 

But  although  there  can  be  no  appeal  to  human  autho- 
rity, from  the  due  administration  of  parental  government, 
yet  the  head  of  a  family  is  not  the  ultimate  lord,  with  un- 
derived  authority.  His  power  is  delegated  to  him  by  the 
Founder  of  the  domestic  society.  And  should  he  pre- 
sume to  contravene  the  primary  obligations  of  religious 
duty,  which  are  imposed  on  his  children  and  servants  by 
their  Creator,  he  would  usurp  an  authority  with  which  he 
has  never  been  invested.  This  would  be  treason  against 
the  Most  High,  and  rebellion  against  the  Supreme  Head 
of  all  families.  While  children  are  commanded  to  "  obey 
their  parents,"  it  is  nevertheless  added,  "  in  the  Lord." 
Eph.  vi.  1. 

This  delegation  and  restriction  of  power,  should  ever 
be  remembered  by  parents,  and  never  be  forgotten  by 
their  children.  While  the  parent,  therefore,  acts  within 
his  prescribed  sphere,  obedience  to  his  commands,  is  obe- 


FAMILY  RELIGION.  17 

dience  to  God.  This  circumstance  imparts  to  parental 
authority  a  moral  influence,  which  no  usurped  power  can 
ever  exert  over  the  minds  of  children  and  servants.  A 
child  should  be  made  distinctly  to  understand  the  source 
whence  his  parents  derive  their  authority  to  command, 
direct,  and  control  him.  This  knowledge  will  beget  in 
his  mind  a  reverence  for  that  authority,  which  will  most 
commonly  secure  a  willing  and  habitual  obedience.  It 
brings  to  his  mind  the  influence  of  higher  motives,  than 
can  possibly  be  derived  from  mere  human  authority,  or 
natural  connexion.  He  looks  upon  obedience  as  a  reli- 
gious duty,  and  not  as  a  forced  submission  to  the  caprice 
and  tyranny  of  parents.  And  he  regards  his  obligation 
to  obey,  not  as  imposed  by  human  authority,  or  by  the 
mere  relation  which  he  sustains  to  his  parents,  but  as 
flowing  from  the  express  command  of  God. 

SECTION  III. 

The  parent  is  invested  with  authority  for  some  wise 
and  special  end,  which  looks  beyond  this  world,  and 
"  things  temporal."  It  is  to  acomplish  the  great  purpose 
for  which  the  family  was  constituted.  It  is  true,  that  as 
a  community  and  as  individuals,  we  are  greatly  indebted 
to  the  domestic  society,  for  many  of  the  comforts  and 
much  of  the  peace  of  social  life.  It  administers  consola- 
tion and  support  in  times  of  trial  and  affliction,  and  affords 
sympathy  and  relief  in  distress.  It  enlivens  the  dull  mo- 
notony of  private  life.  It  relaxes  the  care-worn  brow, 
and  renders  cheerful  and  pleasant  the  toils  of  business. 
But  all  this  is  in  proportion  to  the  peace,  the  harmony, 
and  the  love  that  reign  in  the  family  circle,  and  in  pro- 
portion to  the  extent  in  which  we  answer  the  great  end 
of  the  domestic  constitution.  This  great  end,  therefore, 
should  never  be  lost  sight  of,  but  constantly  aimed  at,  in 

2* 


18  FAMILY  RELIGION. 

the  administration  of  its  government.  Wholesome  disci- 
pline must  be  faithfully  exercised.  The  reins  of  govern- 
ment must  not  be  slackened,  nor  fall  from  the  parent's 
hands,  nor  pass  into  those  of  others.  Over  indulgence, 
whatever  degree  of  affection  is  plead  as  its  cause  and  ex- 
cuse, should  never  be  practised.  This  enervates  power, 
and  renders  authority  contemptible,  in  the  eyes  of  those 
who  should  revere  and  obey  it.  It  is  painful  to  parental 
love  to  administer  correction.  But  this  is  both  a  duty 
and  a  trial  when  it  is  necessary.  This  duty  should  be 
performed  with  prayerfulness  and  deliberation  ;  not  with 
passion,  nor  in  an  angry  mood ;  otherwise  it  will  fail  to 
produce  the  proper  effect.  The  child  should  be  taught 
that  it  is  a  religious  duty,  and  a  painful  one.  That  it 
seeks  his  welfare,  and  not  the  gratification  of  a  revenge- 
ful spirit.  "  He  that  spareth  his  rod  hateth  his  son :  but 
he  that  loveth  him  chasteneth  him  betimes,"  Prov.  xiii. 
24.  "  Foolishness  is  bound  in  the  heart  of  a  child ;  but 
the  rod  of  correction  shall  drive  it  far  from  him,"  Prov. 
xxii.  15.  "The  rod  and  reproof  give  wisdom;  but  a 
child  left  to  himself  bringeth  his  mother  to  shame,"  Prov. 
xxix.  15.  "Withhold  not  correction  from  the  child:  for 
if  thou  beatest  him  with  the  rod,  he  shall  not  die.  Thou 
shalt  beat  him  with  the  rod,  and  shalt  deliver  his  soul  from 
hell,"  Prov.  xxiii.  13,  14.  Here  the  ultimate  design  of 
discipline  is  manifest.  It  is  to  save  the  soul :  and  to  an- 
swer the  end  of  the  domestic  constitution,  by  training  up 
your  children  for  the  service  of  God,  and  to  be  heirs  of 
salvation.  We  apprehend  that  the  above  passages  of 
Scripture  teach  the  necessity  and  duty  of  discipline  in  a 
family.  The  rod,  however,  should  not  be  resorted  to, 
when  the  object  of  discipline  may  be  accomplished  by 
milder  means.  It  is  a  difficult  and  unpleasant  duty,  but 
one  from  which  we  cannot  shrink,  if  we  would  be  faith- 
ful to  God  and  our  children.   Let  the  child  be  taught  tnat 


FAMILY  RELIGION.  19 

he  is  corrected  because  God  enjoins  it,  and  that  the  pa- 
rent cannot  avoid  it  without  offending  God,  and  violating 
his  command,  and  he  will  be  led  to  view  the  chastisement 
as  inflicted  by  God's  authority ;  and  thence  be  induced  to 
regard  the  improper  conduct  for  which  he  is  corrected, 
as  not  only  an  offence  against  his  parents,  but  also  as  a 
sin  against  God.  This  brings  the  authority  of  God,  in 
addition  to  that  of  the  parent,  to  bear  directly  on  his  mind. 
Such  discipline  begets  in  the  mind  of  a  child  the  fear  of 
God,  and  a  reverence  for  the  parent's  authority.  Paul 
says,  "  we  have  had  fathers  of  our  flesh,  which  corrected 
us;  and  we  gave  them  reverence,"  Heb.  xii.  9.  The 
child  may  not  be  able  to  see  how  such  discipline  promotes 
his  own  good,  but  it  is  nevertheless  true :  for  "  no  chas- 
tening for  the  present  seemeth  to  be  joyous,  but  grievous : 
nevertheless,  afterwards  it  yieldeth  the  peaceable  fruit  of 
righteousness  unto  them  which  are  exercised  thereby." 
Heb.  xii.  11.  For  this  end  God  chastises  the  children  of 
his  grace.  "  For  whom  the  Lord  loveth  he  chasteneth, 
and  scourgeth  every  son  whom  he  receiveth.  If  ye  en- 
dure chastening,  God  dealeth  with  you  as  with  sons ;  for 
what  son  is  he  whom  the  father  chasteneth  not  1  But  if 
ye  be  without  chastisement,  whereof  all  are  partakers, 
then  are  ye  bastards  and  not  sons."  Heb.  xii.  6 — 8. 

Let  no  sin  pass  un  reproved,  but  let  the  reproof  be  time- 
ly and  suitable,  and  administered  with  wisdom  and  affec- 
tion. Let  no  undue  indulgence,  no  misnamed  affection, 
no  expressive  silence,  sanction,  or  give  the  colour  of  in- 
nocence to,  improper  conduct.  Let  no  course  of  sinful 
behaviour,  or  criminal  indulgence  remain  unchecked,  lest 
it  become  too  strong  for  parental  discipline,  and  break 
down  the  government  of  the  family. 

The  neglect  of  domestic  discipline  is  commonly  follow- 
ed by  disgrace  and  ruin.  We  have  an  eminent  example 
of  this  in  the  history  of  the  sons  of  Eli,  and  of  his  sinful 


20  FAMILY  RELIGION. 

indulgence  toward  them.  When  they  had  been  guilty  of 
the  grossest  sins,  he  administered  no  more  than  a  mild  re- 
proof, which  laxness  in  early  life  had  doubtless  led  to  such 
enormous  crimes,  1  Sam.  ii.  23.  The  house  of  Eli  was 
punished,  "because  his  sons  made  themselves  vile,  and 
he  restrained  them  not,"  1  Saml.  iii.  13. 

This  truth  may  also  be  exemplified  in  the  life  of  David. 
"  Observe  his  indulgence  of  Amnon.  It  produced  incest. 
Remark  his  indulgence  of  Absalom,  who  besought  him  to 
allow  his  brethren  to  partake  of  a  feast  which  he  had  pre- 
pared. It  produced  assassination.  See  his  weak  fond- 
ness for  the  same  Absalom,  wTho  endeavoured  to  make 
his  way  to  the  throne  by  mean  and  clownish  manners, 
affecting  to  shake  hands  with  the  Israelites,  and  to  em- 
brace and  kiss  them,  (these  are  the  terms  of  Scrip- 
ture ;)  and  practising  all  such  popular  arts  as  generally 
precede  and  predict  sedition.  This  produced  a  civil  war. 
Remark  how  he  indulged  Adonijah,  who  made  himself 
chariots,  and  set  up  a  retinue  of  fifty  men.  The  sacred 
historian  tells  us,  that '  his  father  had  not  displeased  him 
at  any  time,  in  saying,  Why  hast  thou  done  so  V 1  Kings, 
i.  6.     This  produced  a  usurpation  of  the  throne  and  the 


CHAPTER  II. 

SECTION  L 


The  head  of  a  family  should  act  the  part  of  a  Prophet 
towards  the  rest  of  his  household,  and  impart  to  them 
such  instruction  as  is  calculated  to  answer  the  purpose 
for  which  he  is  placed  in  honour  and  authority  over  them. 
Without  such  instruction,  he  can  not,  and  ought  not,  to 
expect  to  accomplish  much  by  the  exercise  of  parental 
discipline. 


FAMILY  RELIGION.  21 

"  These  words  which  I  command  thee  this  day,  shall 
be  in  thine  heart;  and  thou  shalt  teach  them  diligently 
unto  thy  children,  and  shalt  talk  of  them  when  thou  sit- 
test  in  thine  house,  and  when  thou  walkest  by  the  way, 
and  when  thou  liest  down,  and  when  thou  risest  up," 
Deut.  vi.  6,  7.  This  does  not  relate  merely  to  instruction 
in  the  school,  but  particularly  to  familiar,  domestic  teach- 
ing. This  instruction  must  concern  the  word  of  God,  in- 
cluding its  doctrines  and  duties.  It  must  be  imparted 
with  diligence,  with  patience,  and  frequent  repetition 
The  natural  blindness  of  the  mind  to  spiritual  things,  and 
the  darkening  of  the  understanding  produced  by  sin,  render 
such  diligence  absolutely  necessary,  in  order  to  make  any 
tolerable  progress  in  the  work  of  domestic  education. 

The  natural  opposition  of  the  heart  to  spiritual  and  holy 
knowledge,  seems  to  require  the  affectionate,  careful,  and 
frequent  inculcation  of  divine  truth. 

The  language  of  the  carnal  heart  is,  "  I  desire  not  the 
knowledge  of  these  things."  And  the  reason  is  to  be 
found  in  that  Scripture  declaration,  "  the  carnal  mind  is 
enmity  against  God."  Men  naturally,  therefore,  "  love 
darkness  rather  than  light."  Weeds  grow  apace,  but 
good  plants  require  a  careful  and  patient  cultivation.  The 
former  are  indigenous,  the  latter  are  exotic,  and  require 
the  utmost  diligence  and  watchfulness  in  planting  and 
nurturing  them. 

The  memory  has  been  greatly  impaired  by  sin,  and 
children  are  particularly  forgetful  of  that  which  it  is  of 
the  most  importance  they  should  remember.  Hence  the 
necessity  of  inculcating  again  and  again  the  same  truths. 

This  work,  in  order  to  prove  effectual,  must  be  com- 
menced at  a  very  early  age.  Recent  experiments  have 
demonstrated  that  children  are  susceptible  of  important 
instruction,  at  a  much  earlier  age  than  has  hitherto  been 
thought  possible. 


22  FAMILY  RELIGION. 

The  Infant  School  System  has  developed  many  impor- 
tant principles  in  regard  to  the  early  education  of  chil- 
dren. Many  children  are  now  in  possession  of  much  in- 
formation, although  not  yet  advanced  to  that  period  of 
life,  at  which  but  few,  if  any,  hitherto  deemed  it  expedi- 
ent or  important  even  to  commence  instruction.  Impres- 
sions may  be  very  early  made,  and  with  much  more  ease 
too,  than  at  any  subsequent  period.  The  mind  of  a  child 
is  like  soft  wax,  that  is  susceptible  of  any  impression  that 
may  be  attempted,  and  that  without  much  difficulty, 
.ons  are  the  most  lasting,  and  are  removed 
with  great  difficulty,  if  ever  removed  at  alL  Indeed, 
perhaps  at  any  age  it  is  far  more  difficult  to  remove  im- 
■ons  than  to  make  them: 

**  As  the  twig  is  bent  so  the  tree's  inclined.*' 
Even  in  old  age,  after  having  passed  through  the  trials,  the 
turmoils,  and  vicissitudes  of  a  protracted  life,  the  princi- 
instilled  in  early  life,  are  not  forgotten,  but  are  often 
more  fresh  and  vivid  in  the  mind,  than  those  adopted  in 
later  ye? 

And  it  should  ever  be  borne  in  mind  by  parents,  that 
impressions  trill  ineritahly  be  made  upon  the  minds  of 
their  children.  If  they  do  not  make  them,  others  will ; 
and  if  they  be  not  good,  they  will  be  bad. 

The  young  and  tender  mind,  like  the  cameleon,  receives 
-  from  every  thing  around  it  If  it  be  neglected 
by  you,  it  will  not  be  by  the  deviL  "While  the  men 
slept,  his  enemy  came  and  sowed  tares  arnonor  the  wheat," 
Matt  xiii.  25.  The  neglected  mind  of  a  child  is  like  an 
untilied  garden,  it  will  not  be  barren,  but  be  overgrown 
with  noxious  weeds,  which  will  choak  and  destroy  every 
wholesome  plant  which  may  occasionally  take  root.  Pa- 
rents will  then  have  a  double  work  to  perform.  They 
Most  remove  bad  impressions,  and  root  out  injurious  prin- 
ciples:   make  good  impressions,  and  instil  right  princi 


■IILV  RELIGION.  23 

pies.   But  "  fill  the  bushel  with  wheat,  and  you  may  defy 
the  devil  to  fill  it  with  tares." 

I  am  aware  of  an  objection  which  some  make  to  the 
course  above  proposed,  which  is  perhaps  made  rather  to 
relieve  the  objector  of  the  duty  in  question,  than  because 
he  believes  there  is  any  force  in  the  objection  itself,  and 
which,  on  that  account,  hardly  deserves  notice  in  this  lit- 
tle essay ;  but  a  passing  remark  may  not  be  misplaced  or 
useless.  The  objection  is,  that  the  minds  of  children  ought 
not  to  be  forestalled  in  the  matter  of  religion;  that  it  is  tak- 
ing an  unfair  advantage  of  their  tender  age,  and  virtually 
depriving  them  of  the  liberty  of  choice  and  judgment,  in  a 
matter  so  important  To  say  nothing  of  the  anti-scriptural 
character  of  the  objection,  we  may  observe,  that  the  objec- 
tion takes  for  granted,  what  we  and  all  Christians  are  very 
far  from  conceding,  namely,  that  there  is  nothing  in  the  heart 
of  a  child  which  predisposes  him  to  a  wrong  choice,  and 
that  the  natural  understanding  of  a  child,  even  at  the  age 
when  he  should  make  the  choice,  is  sufficiently  enlightened 
in  spiritual  things  to  make  a  good  one.  The  Scriptures 
declare  that  u  the  natural  man  receiveth  not  the  things 
of  the  Spirit  of  God.  they  are  foolishness  to  him;  neither 
can  he  know  them,  because  th  r-irituafly  discern- 

ed." Those  who  make  this  objection  have  certainly  never 
seen  nor  felt  the  ne  igion  themselves.  For 

the  question  now  is.  not  between  different  creeds,  but  be- 
n  religion  and  irreligion.  Had  they  found  the  pearl 
of  great  price,  they  would  not  be  disposed  to  conceal  it 
from  their  children,  lest  their  discovery  of  it  to  them, 
should  forestall  their  opinion  as  to  its  character  and  value. 
Had  they  been  made  sensible  of  the  awful  danger  to 
which  they  and  their  children  were  exposed,  they  would 
not  refuse  to  point  it  out  to  them,  and  warn  them,  lest 
they  should  thereby  forestall  their  opinion  of  that  danger, 
ur  of  its  existence  at  all.  n  have  no  settled  be- 


24  FAMILY  RELIGION. 

lief  in  truth  themselves,  and  do  clearly  manifest  an  indif- 
ference to  all  truth,  and  recognise  no  distinction  between 
truth  and  falsehood,  right  and  wrong.  Besides,  had  this 
been  the  mind  of  God,  it  were  necessary  that  all  men 
should  have  the  requisite  means  and  opportunity  of  arriv- 
ing at  the  truth ;  but  this  is  so  far  from  being  the  case, 
that  even  with  such  advantages,  few  arrive  at  the  truth, 
who  have  not  been  the  subjects  of  early  instruction.  And 
finally,  as  to  this  objection,  if  natural  reason  be  a  suffi- 
cient guide  to  the  discovery  of  truth  and  duty,  as  those 
who  would  rescue  children  from  the  unfair  advantage  of 
early  instruction,  suppose  to  be  the  case,  then  natural 
reason  is  a  sufficient  light  to  distinguish  between  truth 
and  error,  when  proposed  to  its  decision  by  others :  so 
that  they  are  in  no  more  danger  of  being  betrayed  and 
led  astray  by  instruction,  than  by  being  left  to  themselves. 
HowTever,  the  command  to  teach  your  children  dili- 
gently the  words  of  the  Lord,  has  never  been  revoked, 
and  the  apostolic  injunction  to  "  bring  up  your  children 
in  the  nurture  and  admonition  of  the  Lord,"  is  still  in 
force,  Eph.  vi.  4.  "  My  son,"  says  Solomon,  "  hear  the 
instruction  of  thy  father,  and  forsake  not  the  law  of  thy 
mother,"  Prov.  i.  8.  This  implies  the  duty  of  parental 
instruction ;  and  it  is  much  safer  to  hearken  to  the  advice 
of  Solomon,  the  wisest  of  men,  and  withal,  divinely  in- 
spired, than  to  wralk  in  the  counsel  of  the  ungodly,  Ps.  i. 
1.  For  "the  counsels  of  the  wicked  are  deceit,"  Prov. 
xii.  5. 

SECTION  II. 

The  term  education,  as  it  is  commonly  received,  is  too 
restricted  in  its  signification.  In  its  usual  acceptation,  it 
is  applied  to  the  acquisition  of  what  may  with  propriety 
be  called  worldly  information,  as  distinguished  from  spiri- 
tual knowledge ;  and  to  the  training  of  the  mind  for  the 


FAMILY  RELIGION.  25 

investigation  of  philosophical  truth,  or  for  the  business 
and  callings  of  this  life.  Hence  has  arisen  the  qualified 
phrase,  "  religious  education"  to  designate  the  particular 
character  of  the  instruction  and  training  received.  This 
circumstance  has  alienated  the  idea  of  religion  and  spiri- 
tual knowledge  from  the  word  "  education,"  as  generally 
employed  and  understood.  But,  strictly  speaking,  it  forms 
much  the  most  important  part  of  all  genuine  and  scriptu- 
ral education.  No  education  can  be  complete  without  it, 
nor  answer  the  great  end  for  which  all  knowledge  should 
be  imparted  or  acquired. 

There  is,  moreover,  a  species  of  domestic  education, 
long  sanctioned  by  fashionable  society,  which  is  just  the 
opposite  of  that  which  we  apprehend  to  be  enjoined  by 
Scripture.  And  if  it  be  not  effected  by  direct  instruction, 
it  is  by  current  precept  and  habitual  example.  The  con- 
versation and  conduct  of  some  parents,  make  the  impres- 
sion on  the  minds  of  their  children,  that  happiness  con- 
sists in  the  possession  of  wealth  or  fame,  or  in  the  indul- 
gence of  fashion,  pleasure,  or  amusement.  Hence,  as  we 
might  expect,  this  impression  (than  which  nothing  can  be 
more  erroneous)  gives  character  and  direction  to  all  the 
exertions  and  aims  of  their  children  through  life.  The 
chief  business  of  life  they  suppose  to  be  to  acquire  wealth, 
or  expend  it  in  the  indulgence  of  the  various  animal  pas- 
sions. Under  such  an  influence,  they  are  trained  to  shine 
in  the  hall  of  gaiety  and  fashion,  to  parade  the  street  in 
idleness  and  show,  and  become  the  object  of  the  world's 
approbation,  its  envy  and  applause.  The  burden  of  pa- 
rental solicitude  seems  to  be,  in  such  cases,  that  their  chil- 
dren may  appear  to  what  they  falsely  judge  to  be  advan- 
tage in  society.  No  trouble  nor  expense  is  spared  to  se- 
cure this  end.  The  topics  of  family  conversation,  and  that 
too  in  the  presence  of  the  younger  members  and  servants, 
are  fashionable  opinions,  parties,  amusements,  and  dress ; 


26  FAMILY  RELIGION. 

the  merits  and  pleasures  of  the  last  party,  and  the  pros- 
pects and  anticipations  of  the  next;  or  the  character, 
manners,  appearance,  and  defects  of  such  an  one,  and  the 
beauties,  accomplishments,  and  merits  of  another.  With 
such  training,  what  must  inevitably  be  the  character  of 
the  children?  Their  education  has  no  reference  what- 
ever to  the  next  world,  and  looks  not  beyond  the  grave, 
yea,  not  beyond  the  days  of  health,  prosperity,  and  ac- 
tive life.  They  are  trained  to  be  butterflies,  to  flutter  for 
a  season  in  a  gaudy  attire,  from  place  to  place,  while  the 
short  summer  of  life  sheds  upon  them  its  genial  warmth, 
and  to  be  forgotten  and  unknown,  when  the  chilling  win- 
ter of  sickness,  of  age,  of  adversity  or  death  shall  come 
upon  them.     Yes,  many  who  sing  in  the  giddy  circle, 

"  I  would  be  a  butterfly," 
have  their  wish  even  while  they  utter  it.  Many  Chris- 
tian parents,  so  called,  are  a  thousandfold  more  guilty 
and  cruel  towards  their  children,  than  the  heathen  Chi- 
nese towards  theirs.  The  former  do  for  the  heads  and 
hearts  of  their  children,  what  the  latter  do  for  the  feet  of 
theirs.  They  compress  them  into  the  smallest  possible 
compass.  Such  an  education  unfits  them  for  usefulness 
in  this  life,  or  happiness  in  the  next ;  for  their  salvation  is 
thus  rendered  wholly  improbable,  and  next  to  impossible. 
They  are  miserable  in  both  worlds ;  drones  in  this,  and 
outcasts  in  the  next.  It  is,  to  be  sure,  a  more  refined  and 
fashionable  road  to  perdition,  but  not  the  less,  but  rather 
the  more,  certain  on  that  account.  It  is  a  road  strewed 
with  flowers,  but  they  are  the  leaves  of  the  cypress,  the 
badges  of  mourning  over  ruined  souls.  It  may  be  enli- 
vened by  music,  but  it  is  the  sweetly  alluring  voice  of  the 
syren.  The  devoted  travellers  may  be  decked  in  gar- 
lands, but  it  is  for  the  immolation  of  the  soul. 

Indeed,  such  an  education  does  not  contemplate  the  fu- 
ture existence  of  the  soul  at  all.  For  if  such  parents  make 


FAMILY  RELIGION.  27 

suitable  provision  for  the  bodies  of  their  children  in  this 
life,  still  there  is  none  made  for  the  soul  in  the  life  to  come. 
This  is  entirely  overlooked,  as  unimportant  and  unneces- 
sary. But  does  not  the  brute  creation  protect  and  pro- 
vide for  the  bodies  of  their  offspring  ?  Wherein  do  they 
differ? 

The  duty  of  spiritual  education  and  provision  is  also 
binding  in  reference  to  the  servants,  who  constitute  a  part 
of  your  household.  It  is  true,  you  may  only  have  bar- 
gained for  their  labour,  and  promised  a  temporal  support, 
but  they  belong  to  your  domestic  society,  and  have  souls, 
which  must  be  miserable  or  happy  in  the  world  to  come. 
When  you  hire  beasts,  you  bargain  for  their  labour,  and 
provide  for  their  bodily  sustenance ;  is  there  then  no  dif- 
ference between  them  and  your  servants?  The  pious 
Job  asked  with  great  significancy,  "  If  I  did  despise  the 
cause  of  my  man-servant  or  of  my  maid-servant,  what 
shall  I  do  when  God  riseth  up  ?  And  when  he  visiteth, 
what  shall  I  answer  him,"  Job  xxxi.  13,  14. 

The  believing  Centurion  also  manifested  great  concern 
for  his  servant.  He  is  represented  as  beseeching  Christ, 
with  great  earnestness,  to  heal  his  servant,  which  he  did, 
Matt.  viii.  6,  7. 

SECTION  III. 

But  in  addition  to  preceptive  instruction,  there  must  be 
superadded  the  force  of  corresponding  example.  The  one 
will  effect  but  little  without  the  other.  We  are  imitative 
creatures,  and  learn  our  earliest  lessons,  and  receive  our 
most  enduring  impressions  through  the  eyes  and  not 
through  the  ears.  It  is  remarkable  how  soon  children 
begin  to  notice  attentively  the  conduct  of  others.  We  are 
naturally  more  disposed  to  follow  example  than  to  be  in- 
fluenced by  precept.  Parents,  therefore,  would  do  well 
to  remember  that  their  children  have  eyes  as  well  as  ears, 


28  FAMILY  RELIGION. 

and  to  act  accordingly.  Bad  example  will  obliterate  every 
impression  which  may  have  been  made  by -wholesome 
precept.  Let  not  parents,  therefore,  tear  down  with  one 
hand  as  fast  as  they  build  up  with  the  other.  Let  exam- 
ple be  to  precept,  what  experiments  are,  in  natural  science, 
to  theory.  The  one  should  demonstrate  and  confirm  the 
other.  In  vain  may  you  attempt  to  inculcate  upon  a 
child  the  importance  of  a  duty,  while  he  is  permitted  to 
witness  your  habitual  neglect  of  it.  He  will  do  as  you 
do,  and  not  as  you  say.  If  you  neglect  the  public  wor- 
ship of  God,  or  behave  unseemly  in  the  sanctuary ;  if  you 
violate  the  Sabbath  day,  by  labour,  amusement  or  recre- 
ation ;  if  you  take  the  name  of  the  Most  High  in  vain, 
or  exhibit  a  proud,  passionate,  and  overbearing  temper, 
you  may  reasonably  expect  your  children  and  servants 
to  do  the  same,  when  an  opportunity  occurs  of  doing  it 
with  impunity.  It  were  idle  to  expect  a  different  result. 
But  the  precept  of  some  parents  is  as  bad  as  their  ex- 
ample in  this  respect.  They  will  not  only  encourage, 
but  even  urge  the  attendance  of  their  children,  at  the 
scenes  of  public  amusement  and  dissipation ;  places  where 
female  delicacy  is  wounded,  where  innocence  must  blush, 
and  virtue  hide  her  head  in  shame.  Yes,  parents  will 
permit  men  and  women  to  say  to  their  children  from  the 
stage,  and  in  a  public  assembly,  what  it  would  be  the 
grossest  insult  to  whisper  in  their  ear,  at  the  family  fire- 
side. And  yet,  these  same  parents  decline  urging  the  at- 
tendance of  their  children  at  the  sanctuary.  They  will 
lead  them  into  a  circle,  where,  amid  the  attractions 
adapted  to  a  carnal  heart,  the  flame  of  human  pride  is 
fed  and  cherished ;  where  native  vanity  is  flattered,  often 
by  brainless  conversation  and  heartless  attention ;  where 
their  already  too  high  opinion  of  self  is  more  and  more 
exalted,  and  the  restraints  of  modest,  retiring  virtue  more 
and  more  weakened.     Thus   they  are  thrown  by  their 


FAMILY  RELIGION.  29 

own  parents,  into  the  midst  of  a  thousand  temptations  and 
snares,  and  estranged  from  God  and  holiness. 

You  may,  indeed,  diligently  provide  for  their  temporal 
necessities,  but  you  leave  the  soul,  the  deathless,  enduring 
part  of  your  children,  to  starve  and  perish.  You  may 
carefully  clothe  their  bodies  which  must  soon  be  laid  in 
the  grave  and  become  the  food  of  worms,  but  you  leave 
the  soul  to  appear  in  all  its  nakedness  before  God  in  judg- 
ment. You  neglect  to  provide  for  it,  the  robe  of  the  Sa- 
viour's righteousness,  and  are  satisfied  that  it  should  ap- 
pear in  the  "  filthy  rags"  of  its  own  virtue  and  morality. 
You  provide  food  for  the  nourishment  of  their  bodies,  but 
neglect  to  feed  them  with  the  hidden  manna,  with  that 
bread  which  came  down  from  heaven,  which  wras  the 
bread  of  life.  You  are  solicitous  to  accomplish  for  them, 
advantageous  matrimonial  connexions,  but  neglect  to 
marry  them  to  the  Lamb,  the  Bridegroom — Jesus  Christ. 

Now,  "  if  any  provide  not  for  his  own,  and  especially 
for  those  of  his  own  house,  he  hath  denied  the  faith,  and 
is  worse  than  an  infidel,"  1  Tim.  v.  8.  If  this  be  true  in 
regard  to  temporal  provision,  what  may  we  not  say  of 
those  who  refuse  to  make  the  most  important  of  all  kinds 
of  provision,  viz.  for  the  souls  of  their  children  and  ser- 
vants 1  It  is  most  shocking  cruelty  to  suffer  the  souls,  whom 
you  have  instrumentally  brought  into  the  world,  to  perish 
forever  through  your  neglect.  How  can  a  parent's  heart 
endure  the  thought,  that  the  helpless  babe  who  smiles  at  his 
chirps,  and  prattles  on  his  knees,  and  beguiles  his  hours 
of  leisure,  with  its  endearing  playfulness,  should,  through 
his  neglect,  endure  the  wrath  of  God  through  all  eterni- 
ty 1  Parents  !  think  of  it.  Look  upon  your  babe,  behold 
its  little  fascinating  ways,  and  say,  will  you  train  it  up 
for  the  world  and  for  hell,  or  for  God  and  heaven  ?  Will 
you  lead  it  into  the  vortex  of  fashion,  folly  and  irreligion, 
or,  "  bring  it  up  in  the  nurture  and  admonition  of  the 

3* 


30  FAMILY  RELIGION. 

Lord,"  renouncing  in  its  behalf,  the  pomps  and  vanities 
of  the  world,  and  solemnly  dedicate  it  to  the  service  of 
Christ  ?  You  must  meet  it  at  the  bar  of  God.  You  may 
meet  it  in  the  world  of  lost  spirits.  Will  you  venture 
then  to  look  upon  it?  Can  you  then  bear  its  curses  on 
your  head,  and  its  upbraiding  accusation  of  your  unfaith- 
fulness and  cruelty  ?  Parents !  think  of  it.  Your  chil- 
dren are  committed  to  your  care,  by  Him  whose  proper- 
ty they  are,  and  who  charges  you  to  train  them  up  a  holy 
seed  to  serve  him.  He  will  require  them,  as  such,  at 
your  hands.     Shall  their  blood  be  found  in  your  skirts  ? 

"  It  is  beyond  a  doubt,  that  remorse  is  one  of  the  chief 
punishments  of  the  damned,  and  who  can  question  whe- 
ther the  most  excruciating  remorse  will  be  excited  by  this 
thought ;  I  have  plunged  my  children  into  this  abyss,  into 
which  I  have  plunged  myself? 

"  Imagine  a  parent  of  a  family,  discovering  among  the 
crowd  of  reprobates,  a  son,  wThom  he  himself  led  thither, 
and  who  addresses  to  him  this  terrible  language :  '  Bar- 
barous father,  to  what  a  desperate  condition  you  have 
reduced  me  !  See,  wretch  that  you  are,  see  the  flames 
which  burn  and  consume  me.  Observe  this  thick  smoke 
which  suffocates  me.  Behold  the  heavy  chains  with 
which  I  am  loaded.  They  are  the  fatal  consequences  of 
the  principles  you  gave  me.  Was  it  not  enough  to  bring 
me  into  the  world  a  sinner  ?  Was  it  necessary  to  put  me 
in  arms  against  Almighty  God  ?  Was  it  not  enough  to 
communicate  to  me  natural  depravity  ?  Must  you  add 
to  that,  the  venom  of  a  pernicious  education?  Was  it 
not  enough  to  expose  me  to  the  misfortunes  inseparable 
from  life  ?  Must  you  plunge  me  into  those  which  follow 
death  ?  Return  me,  cruel  parent,  return  me  to  nothing, 
whence  ye  took  me.  Take  from  me  the  fatal  existence 
you  gave  me.  Show  me  mountains  and  hills  to  fall  on 
me,  and  hide  me  from  the  anger  of  my  Judge ;  or  if  that 


FAMILY  RELIGION.  31 

divine  vengeance  which  pursues  thee,  will  not  enable  thee 
to  do  so,  I  myself  will  become  thy  tormentor ;  I  will 
ever  present  myself,  a  frightful  spectacle,  before  thine 
eyes,  and  by  those  eternal  howlings,  which  I  will  inces- 
santly pour  into  thine  ears,  I  will  reproach  thee ;  through 
all  eternity  I  will  reproach  thee  with  my  misery  and  de- 
spair.' "* 

SECTION  IV. 

As  the  helplessness  of  a  child,  unable  to  defend  itself 
from  surrounding  danger,  makes  a  strong  and  effectual 
appeal  to  its  parents  for  protection,  so  should  its  native 
ignorance,  especially  of  the  most  important  truths,  and  of 
those,  a  knowledge  of  which  is  essential  to  its  well-being, 
both  here  and  hereafter,  make  a  still  more  powerful  and 
affecting  appeal,  for  instruction  and  careful  training. 
The  heathen  early  and  faithfully  train  up  their  children  to 
the  precepts  and  practices  of  idolatry.  And  this  is  not 
only  a  dictate  of  that  natural  affection,  which  even  hea- 
thenism has  not  totally  quenched  in  the  parental  bosom, 
but  it  is,  moreover,  a  principle  of  natural  religion,  which 
is  incorporated  even  with  the  grossest  system  of  super- 
stition and  error,  that  claims  to  be  a  religion. 

You  recognise  your  obligation  to  afford  your  children 
an  academical  education,  or  at  least  a  knowledge  of 
their  own  language,  and  of  such  other  branches  of  com- 
mon literature,  as  may  qualify  them  for  the  vocation  in 
life,  which  you  design  them  to  follow.  But  do  you  feel 
no  obligation  to  instil  into  their  minds  and  hearts  the 
principles  of  heavenly  wisdom?  None,  to  educate  them 
in  the  science  cf  salvation  ?  None,  to  impart  to  them  a 
knowledge  of  God,  which  is  eternal  life,  and  of  his  word, 
which  is  able  to  make  them  truly  wise,  even  "  wise  unto 
salvation,"  and  to  fit  them  for  entering  with  advantage 

*  Saurin,  Vol.  2.  p.  25. 


32  FAMILY  RELIGION. 

and  happiness,  upon  that  ever  enduring  state  of  exist- 
ence, on  the  verge  of  which  they  now  stand  1 

You  feel  bound  to  train  up  your  children  in  patriotic 
attachment  to  their  country  and  its  laws ;  wTith  reverence 
for  its  authority,  and  jealousy  for  its  honour.  But  do  you 
not  feel  bound  to  train  them  up  in  loyal  fidelity  to  the 
King  of  kings,  and  the  God  of  nations,  through  whose 
merciful  interference  in  our  behalf,  we  are,  as  a  nation, 
what  we  are?  None,  to  educate  them  in  holy  allegiance 
to  the  Lord  of  lords,  and  source  of  all  authority  ?  None, 
to  instil  into  them  a  becoming  reverence  for  His  law,  and 
an  unquenchable  zeal  for  His  honour  and  glory  1 

You  feel  bound,  in  all  your  plans,  arrangements,  and 
efforts,  to  consult  the  temporal  interests  of  your  children, 
and  can  this  be  more  effectually  promoted,  than  by  the 
knowledge  and  favour  of  God  1  But  are  you  indifferent 
to  their  everlasting  welfare  in  the  world  to  come  ?  You 
cannot  procure  for  them  a  more  efficient,  faithful,  and  en- 
during friend  than  Christ,  wrho  is  emphatically  the  friend 
of  sinners.  He  sticketh  closer  than  a  brother,  and  will 
never  leave  nor  forsake  them.  Unlike  the  friendship  oi 
the  world,  which 

is  but  a  name, 


A  charm  that  lulls  to  sleep, 
A  shade  that  follows  wealth  and  fame, 
And  leaves  the  wretch  to  weep, 

his  is  .as  unchanging  as  his  nature,  "  I  am  the  Lord — 1 
change  not."  He  is  a  friend  to  help  in  time  of  need ; 
when  others  either  forsake  us,  or  can  afford  us  no  aid. 
Should  you  leave  your  children  orphans,  He  is  the  or- 
phan's God ; — the  father  of  the  fatherless.  For  when  fa- 
ther and  mother  forsake  them,  He  will  take  them  up. 

You  can  not  lay  up  for  your  children,  a  more  enduring 
or  more  satisfying  treasure,  than  that  which  is  laid  up  in 
heaven,  which  neither  moth  nor  rust  can  corrupt,  and 


FAMILY  RELIGION.  33 

where  thieves  do  not  break  through  nor  steal.  Earthly 
riches  take  to  themselves  wings  and  fly  away ;  and  while 
they  last,  they  are  both  unsatisfying  and  corrupting,  with- 
out the  grace  of  God  accompanying  them.  Train  up 
your  children  to  be  rich  in  faith,  and  heirs  of  that  inherit- 
ance which  is  undefiled  and  that  fadeth  not  away,  and 
you  will  have  secured  for  them  that  "  which  is  profitable 
unto  all  things,  having  promise  of  the  life  that  now  is,  and 
of  that  which  is  to  come,"  1  Tim.  iv.  8.  You  feel  bound 
to  procure  suitable  remedies,  and  the  skill  of  a  physician, 
to  counteract  and  heal  the  bodily  maladies  of  your  chil- 
dren ;  but  are  you  not  under  higher  obligations  to  provide 
for  the  cure  of  that  deadly  disease  wTith  which  the  souls 
of  your  children  are  by  nature  infected  ?  Depravity  is 
frequently,  in  Scripture,  represented  under  the  figure  of  a 
disease.  "  The  whole  head  is  sick,  and  the  whole  heart 
is  faint.  From  the  sole  of  the  foot,  even  unto  the  head, 
there  is  no  soundness  in  it,  but  wounds  and  bruises  and 
putrefying  sores:  they  have  not  been  closed,  neither  bound 
up,  neither  mollified  with  ointment,"  Isa.  i.  5,  6.  True 
religion  is  the  balm  of  Gilead,  and  Christ  is  the  great  phy- 
sician. Will  you,  then,  permit  this  disease  to  continue  its 
ravages  upon  the  souls  of  your  children,  and  terminate  in 
the  second  death,  without  instructing  them  as  to  the  only 
remedy,  and  urging  them  to  apply  to  the  only  Physician? 
How  grossly  inconsistent  is  the  solicitude  of  parents  for 
their  children,  who,  at  the  same  time,  neglect  their  souls, 
which  are  of  infinitely  more  importance,  than  any  tem- 
poral concern  can  possibly  be ! 

There  is  one  circumstance  which  may  be  mentioned 
here,  both  as  an  encouragement  to  parents  in  the  work 
of  training  up  their  children  for  God,  and  as  an  aggrava- 
tion of  their  sin  in  His  sight,  if  they  neglect  to  bring  them 
up  in  the  nurture  and  admonition  of  the  Lord.  I  allude 
to  the  Sabbath  School  Institution.     This  Institution  by 


34  FAMILY  RELIGION. 

no  means  supersedes  parental  instruction  at  home.  This 
would  be  an  abuse  of  the  Institution.  This  duty  can 
never  be  superseded,  nor  transferred  to  other  hands.  But 
it  promises  assistance  and  proposes  co-operation.  It  an- 
swers every  objection,  and  sets  aside  every  excuse,  which 
the  parent  might  be  disposed  to  offer,  for  the  neglect  of 
this  duty,  on  the  score  of  a  want  of  time  or  ability. 
And  at  the  same  time  affords,  to  the  faithful  parent,  suit- 
able and  desirable  aid  in  the  discharge  of  his  duty. 
Much  of  that  training  which  the  Scriptures  require  of 
every  parent,  can  not  be  effected  by  the  Sabbath  School 
System,  but  must  be  performed  in  the  domestic  circle, 
and  by  parental  instruction  and  influence. 

Indeed,  this  Institution  seems  to  require  of  parents, 
double  diligence  and  faithfulness,  if  they  would  maintain 
their  influence  in  the  family,  and  a  reverence  in  the  minds 
of  their  children,  for  the  parental  authority  and  charac- 
ter. For,  in  the  Sabbath  School,  the  child  is  made  ac- 
quainted with  the  duties  of  parents  to  their  children,  as 
well  as  those  of  children  to  their  parents.  They  as  rea- 
sonably (and  more  so)  expect  you  to  discharge  your  du- 
ties, as  you  expect  them  to  discharge  theirs.  They  are 
not  insensible  to  your  neglect  of  duty,  seeing  they  are 
not  ignorant  of  what  is  required  of  you.  Your  influ- 
ence over  them,  and  their  reverence  for  you,  will  gene- 
rally be  in  proportion  to  your  fidelity  to  them.  Your 
neglect  of  duty,  will  naturally  encourage  them  in  the 
neglect  of  theirs.  They  will  plead  your  example,  and 
either  follow  it,  or  reprove  you  for  setting  it.  Hence,  we 
sometimes  hear  of  children  administering  to  their  parents, 
the  simplest,  and,  therefore,  the  severest  reproofs.  A 
child,  whose  parents  neglected  the  duty  of  family  wor- 
ship, having  learned  in  the  Sabbath  School,  its  obliga- 
tion and  importance,  once  asked  his  father  why  he  did 
not  pray  in  his  family,  as  neighbour  T did  in  his. 


FAMILY  RELIGION.  35 

The  father  was  silent.  The  reproof  was  keen,  and  effec- 
tual. He  neglected  it  no  longer.  Such  a  reproof!  from 
such  a  source  !  on  such  a  subject  1  Parents  who  neglect 
their  children,  can  maintain  their  influence,  and  the  vene- 
ration and  confidence  of  their  children,  only  by  keeping 
them  in  ignorance,  or  by  banishing  from  their  minds 
every  serious  impression.     What  an  alternative  ! 

Every  parent  should  hail  the  Sabbath  School  Institu- 
tion, as  a  blessing  to  his  children  and  to  his  children's 
children.  He  should  sustain  and  countenance  it  as  their 
nursery  and  asylum.  There  they  are  taught  their  duty 
to  themselves,  to  one  another,  to  their  parents,  to  their 
country,  and  to  their  God.  There  they  are  fitted  to  be- 
come better  children,  better  parents,  better  husbands, 
better  wives,  and  better  citizens,  than  the  generations 
which  have  preceded  them.  For  the  use  or  abuse  of  this 
talent,  this  means  of  good  to  his  children,  and  of  this 
proffered  assistance  and  encouragement  in  the  discharge 
of  his  duties  to  his  family,  every  parent,  within  whose 
reach  it  is  placed,  must  give  an  account  to  his  Maker 
and  Judge. 

SECTION  V. 

It  may  be  proper  in  this  place  to  notice  briefly,  the 
peculiar  duties,  advantages,  and  consequent  responsibili- 
ties of  mothers,  in  regard  to  the  education  of  their  chil- 
dren. 

To  its  mother's  care  and  instruction,  the  first  years  of 
a  child,  are  almost  exclusively  committed.  She  makes 
upon  its  infant  mind,  the  first  impressions,  whether  good 
or  bad.  She,  in  a  great  measure,  forms  its  future  cha- 
racter, and,  humanly  speaking,  determines  its  destiny. 
She  observes  the  budding  of  its  mind,  and  discovers  the 
earliest  developements  of  its  character  and  disposition, 
and  may  mould  them  as  she  pleases.     Hence,  the  mother 


36  FAMILY  RELIGION. 

becomes  the  first  object  of  its  knowledge,  its  affections, 
and  its  confidence.  Her  influence  is  first  felt,  and  her 
authority  first  recognised.  What  a  trust  is  then  com- 
mitted to  mothers ! 

The  strong  maternal  affection  peculiarly  fits  her  for 
the  right  discharge  of  her  duties.  And  in  this  is  shown 
the  wisdom  of  Him  who  planted  that  affection  in  her 
bosom,  and  who  requires  those  duties  at  her  hands.  The 
maternal  affection  is  used  in  Scripture  as  a  faint  emblem 
of  Christ's  love  to  his  Church.  "  Can  a  woman  forget 
her  sucking  child,  that  she  should  not  have  compassion 
on  the  son  of  her  womb !  Yea,  they  may  forget,  yet 
will  I  not  forget  thee."  Isa.  xlix.  15.  This  love  excites 
her  to  the  exercise  of  that  patience  which  is  so  much 
required,  and  so  indispensable,  in  the  careful  training  of 
her  child.  She  knows  no  weariness  in  ministering  to  its 
necessities,  and  in  guarding  its  helplessness.  She  bears 
without  a  murmur,  its  disquietudes  and  complaints,  and 
surmounts  every  obstacle,  and  readily  endures  the  priva- 
tion of  personal  comfort,  care  and  rest,  that  she  may 
supply  its  wants,  and  gratify  its  desires.  What  will  she 
not  do,  and  what  will  she  not  suffer,  for  the  peace  and 
safety  of  her  little  one !  Without  this  natural  affection, 
patience  would  soon  be  exhausted,  and  the  flesh  soon 
become  weary,  and  the  passions  be  vented  by  cruelty 
or  abandonment.  Under  the  influence  of  religion,  this 
affection  is  sanctified,  regulated,  and  properly  directed. 
If  such  be  the  advantages  of  a  mother,  how  great  must 
be  her  responsibilities  !  Who  doubts  a  mother's  influ- 
ence in  the  formation  of  the  character  of  her  children  ? 
Who  doubts  the  peculiar  opportunities  she  has  for  ma- 
king good  impressions,  and  forming  a  proper  character? 
Who  doubts  the  obligation  upon  her,  to  embrace  these 
opportunities,  and  rightly  to  use  them,  in  raising  up  a 
holy  seed  to  serve  the  Lord  ?     Examples  might  be  men- 


FAMILY  RELIGION.  37 

tioned  of  some  of  the  most  distinguished  benefactors  of 
mankind,  who  owe,  and  have  traced,  to  their  mother's 
instruction  and  example,  all  that  has  made  them  both  an 
honour  and  a  blessing  to  the  race.  Examples  might  also 
be  adduced,  which  would  reverse  the  picture,  but  esta- 
blish the  same  principle,  and  show  that  opposite  effects 
may  commonly  be  traced  to  opposite  causes.  This  strong 
parental  influence  is  ordained  of  God,  and  forms  a  promi- 
nent part  of  that  great  instrumentality  which  he  has 
established  in  the  organization  of  the  family  constitution. 
This  influence  will,  and  must,  therefore,  be  felt.  It  can 
not  be  avoided. 

Mothers  derive  great  advantage  from  united  counsel 
and  prayer,  in  the  prosecution  of  their  appropriate  work 
of  love.  This  they  need,  and  many  have  diligently 
sought.  Hence  have  arisen  maternal  associations,  whose 
influence  on  society,  and  on  the  system  of  domestic  edu- 
cation, may  become  immense ;  and  its  beneficial  results 
incalculable.  If  wisely  and  faithfully  conducted,  their 
importance  will  be  great  indeed,  and  their  advantages  to 
parents  invaluable.  The  object  of  these  associations,  is 
to  call  forth  and  direct,  with  wisdom  and  efficiency,  ma- 
ternal zeal  and  love,  in  the  education  of  children.  In 
these  associations,  mothers  meet  to  converse  and  pray 
with  reference  to  this  object.  Here  they  encourage  and 
sympathize  with  each  other,  amid  the  trials  and  difficul- 
ties with  which  they  meet  in  the  discharge  of  parental 
duty.  Here  they  give  mutual  advice,  and  relate  each 
other's  experience  in  the  training  of  their  children,  that 
all  may  derive  from  them  a  common  advantage.  Here 
they  excite  one  another  to  greater  diligence,  and  more 
devoted  zeal  in  the  cause.  Here  they  enlist  each  other's 
sympathies  and  prayers,  in  behalf  of  themselves  and  their 
children.  Here  they  learn  to  appreciate  their  advan- 
tages and  responsibilities,  and  to  act  in  the  view  of  them. 

4 


38  FAMILY  RELIGION. 

This  tends  to  keep  alive  in  their  bosoms,  an  habitual  sense 
of  the  peculiar  and  solemn  duties  that  devolve  upon 
them,  and  it  chides  the  neglect  and  indifference  with 
which  any  may  be  chargeable.  Here,  as  mothers,  they 
meet  to  plead  the  promise.  "  that  if  two  of  you  shall 
agree  on  earth,  as  touching  any  thing  that  they  shall  ask, 
it  shall  be  done  for  them  of  my  Father  which  is  in  hea- 
ven. For  where  two  or  three  are  gathered  together  in 
my  name,  there  am  I  in  the  midst  of  them,"  Matt,  xviii. 
19,  20.  And  as  the  object  of  their  united  prayers  is  a 
special  one,  and  one  that  lies  near  their  hearts,  it  calls 
forth  sincere  and  fervent  supplications,  which  are  preva- 
lent with  the  prayer-hearing  God,  through  the  merits  and 
intercession  of  his  Son  Jesus  Christ.  None  can  doubt, 
that  such  exercises,  wisely  conducted,  greatly  contribute 
to  the  growth  in  grace  of  those  who  engage  in  them ; 
greatly  increase  the  qualifications  of  mothers  for  the 
work  to  which  they  are  called;  and  greatly  tend  to  che- 
rish the  spirit  of  prayer  for  themselves  and  their  children. 
Doubtless  such  an  association  is  a  blessing  to  any  church 
in  which  it  may  be  organized ;  for  it  co-operates  with  the 
Sabbath  School,  and  with  the  pastor,  in  their  efforts  to 
bring  the  rising  generation  under  the  saving  influence  of 
the  Gospel.  It  becomes  itself  the  nursery  of  practical 
godliness,  where  the  spirit  of  devout  prayer  may  still 
linger,  while  all  the  church  beside  is  cold  and  listless. 

I  can  not  forbear  inserting  in  this  place,  as  coincident 
with  that  already  expressed,  the  opinion  of  one,  whose 
name  gives  it  ample  weight,  apart  from  its  intrinsic  merit, 
with  all  who  know  his  character  and  worth.  Dr.  Alex- 
ander, of  Princeton,  in  his  sermon  before  the  "  Alumni 
Association  of  the  Theological  Seminary  at  Princeton," 
holds  the  following  language : 

"  If  parents  could  be  induced  to  co-operate  more 
zealously  in  this  work :  if  mothers,  especially,  would  be 


FAMILY  RELIGION.  39 

persuaded  to  be  more  earnest  and  assiduous  in  instilling 
divine  truth  into  the  infant  mind,  who  can  tell  what  a 
reformation  might  be  wrought  in  one  age  ?  And  I  can 
not  but  hope,  that  maternal  affection,  which  is  one  of  the 
strongest,  as  well  as  tenderest  feelings  implanted  in  the 
human  constitution,  begins  already  to  be  directed  into  its 
appropriate  channel.  The  existence  and  success  of  'Ma- 
ternal Associations,'  intended  for  the  mutual  assistance  of 
pious  mothers,  encourages  me  to  believe,  that  this  power- 
ful and  inextinguishable  yearning  of  the  maternal  heart, 
the  nature  and  force  of  which,  mothers  only  can  appre- 
ciate, is  about  to  be  sanctified  to  the  great  object  of  pro- 
moting early  piety,  and  sowing  the  seed,  which  may 
ripen  into  religion  in  mature  age,  when  this  effect  fails  in 
earlier  life.  If  I  were  called  on  to  declare  what  means  of 
conversion,  beside  public  preaching,  had  been  most  bless- 
ed  of  God,  I  should  unhesitatingly  answer,  maternal 

INSTRUCTION."  pp.   18,   19. 

SECTION  VI. 

The  obligations  which  rest  upon  parents  to  *  bring  up 
their  children  in  the  nurture  and  admonition  of  the  Lord," 
are  numerous  and  weighty.  Besides  those  already  men- 
tioned in  a  general  way,  we  may  specify, 

1.  The  baptismal  vows  which  they  have  assumed  in 
behalf  of  their  children.  And  lest  any  should  pass  over 
this  section,  by  saying,  "  I  have  never  presented  my  chil- 
dren in  baptism,  and  have  therefore  never  assumed  the 
vows  mentioned,"  let  me  say  that  if  this  be  so,  you  are 
doubly  guilty  in  the  sight  of  God.  It  is  as  much  your 
duty  to  dedicate  your  children  to  God  in  his  appointed 
ordinance,  as  it  is  to  dedicate  yourself  to  him  in  that  of 
the  Lord's  Supper.  Unfitness  for  either,  while  it  should 
exclude  you  from  the  privilege,  nevertheless  does  not 
relieve  you  from  the  duty.     It  is  your  duty  to  be  pre- 


40  FAMILY  RELIGION. 

pared  for  both,  and  the  longer  that  preparation  is  delay- 
ed, the  greater  is  the  sinfulness  of  your  neglect.  To 
plead  unfitness  as  an  excuse  for  neglecting  duty,  is  to 
plead  one  sin  as  an  excuse  for  another ;  for  it  is  your  sin- 
fulness and  unbelief  that  render  you  unfit  for  either  ordi- 
nance. Let  none,  then,  console  themselves  with  the  false 
impression,  that  they  are  relieved  from  baptismal  duties, 
because  they  have  neglected  to  assume  baptismal  vows. 
If,  therefore,  the  following  remarks  should  exhibit  the 
obligations  of  those  who  have  assumed  such  vows,  the} 
at  the  same  time  exhibit  the  obligation  and  guilt  of  those 
who  have  neglected  to  assume  them. 

The  presentation  of  children  for  baptism,  does  not, 
strictly  speaking,  create  new  obligations,  but  is  a  formal 
and  solemn  acknowledgment  of  those  already  binding. 
A  witness,  strictly  speaking,  is  as  much  bound,  in  the 
sight  of  God,  to  tell  the  truth,  and  nothing  but  the  truth, 
before  he  takes  the  oath,  as  afterwards. 

It  is  to  be  feared,  that  parents  too  often  assume  the 
baptismal  vows  with  too  little  consideration.  Some  pre- 
sent their  children  for  the  ordinance,  under  the  influence 
of  example  or  custom,  or  for  fashion  sake ;  some,  doubt- 
less, through  the  mistaken  and  superstitious  notion  of  its 
inherent  efficacy.  All  such  motives  are  improper,  and 
dishonour  God,  and  his  ordinance.  They  tend  to  banish 
from  the  mind,  that  becoming  reverence  and  awe,  with 
which  God  should  be  approached  in  every  act  of  worship. 
It  brings  down  the  ordinance  to  the  level  of  an  unmean- 
ing ceremony,  and  abstracts  from  it  the  idea  of  a  solemn 
transaction  with  God.  ■  Hence,  many  who  shrink  from 
an  approach  to  the  Lord's  table,  yet,  without  hesitation 
or  much  reflection,  offer  their  children  for  baptism.  They 
are  both  holy  sacraments,  and  the  one  is  as  sacred  as  the 
other.  Parents,  moreover,  sometimes  take  upon  them 
these  vows,  while  they  are  conscious  of  an  unwillingness 


FAMILY  RELIGION.  41 

to  pay  them,  and  indeed,  with  no  purpose  whatever  to 
attempt  it.  This  is  lying  to  the  Holy  Ghost,  and  nothing 
less  than  awful  perjury  before  high  Heaven !  I  speak 
plainly  on  this  subject,  because  it  is  too  momentous  to  be 
Otherwise  disposed  of.  While,  therefore,  parents  are 
bound  to  present  their  children  for  baptism,  they  are  also 
required  not  to  trifle  with  the  ordinance,  nor  contract  the 
guilt  of  perjury  or  broken  vows.  If  they  neglect  the 
ordinance,  they  sin ;  and  if  they  approach  it  improperly, 
they  sin.  Do  you,  then,  ask  what  you  are  to  do  in  such 
a  case  ?  I  answer,  repent,  believe  in  Christ,  and  seek 
and  obtain  a  right  heart  in  the  sight  of  God,  and  that 
without  delay.  This  is  only  one  of  the  many  difficul- 
ties that  belong  to  a  state  of  impenitency  and  unbelief. 

In  presenting  your  children  to  this  ordinance,  you  re- 
cognise their  depravity  and  condemnation,  as  flowing 
from  the  first  transgression  of  Adam ;  otherwise,  the 
ordinance  is  without  meaning,  and  your  approach  to  it, 
is  a  mockery  of  God.  You  thereby  acknowledge  the 
necessity  of  your  child  being  washed  with  the  Spirit  and 
blood  of  Christ.  For  it  is  that  outward  sign,  which  sig- 
nifies the  washing  of  the  heart,  with  that  cleansing  influ- 
ence, which  the  water  in  baptism  symbolizes. 

In  this  ordinance,  you  also  give  your  child  away,  with- 
out reservation,  to  be  used  and  disposed  of  by  God,  as 
seemeth  to  Him  best  When  thus  solemnly  dedicated  to 
God,  in  acknowledgment  of  His  undisputed  right  to  it, 
He  commits  it  to  your  care,  as  Moses  was  committed  to 
the  care  of  his  mother,  that  he  may  be  trained  up  for  the 
service  and  glory  of  Him,  to  whom  he  belongs  of  right, 
and  by  your  own  act  of  dedication.  You  henceforth  act 
as  the  steward  of  God,  under  voluntary  vows  of  fidelity 
in  the  discharge  of  your  duties,  both  to  Him  and  to  your 
child.  For  this  stewardship  you  must  render  an  account. 
Here,  then,  is  one  source  of  obligation  which  you  are  not 

4  * 


42  FAMILY  RELIGION. 

at  liberty  to  disregard*  A  lively  sense  of  this  obligation, 
will  lead  you  to  seek  daily  supplies  of  grace  and  strength, 
to  meet  your  responsibilities,  and  to  supplicate  the  bless- 
ing of  God  upon  your  endeavours  to  discharge  them. 
Thus,  you  will  be  constantly  urged  to  a  Throne  of  Grace 
in  behalf  of  yourself  and  children.  There  too,  you  will 
bring  them,  and  bow  their  infant  knees  before  God,  and 
teach  their  infant  tongues  to  call  him  "  Father,"  and  to 
lisp  his  praise. 

Should  you  neglect,  however,  thus  to  train  them; 
should  you  bring  them  up  in  prayerlessness  and  irreligion, 
how  poignant  will  be  your  reflections  on  a  death  bed, 
that  you  are  about  to  meet  your  Judge,  to  answer  for  the 
guilt  of  violated  vows  !  How  keen  the  anguish  that  will 
wring  your  soul,  when  you  are  about  to  cast  your  little 
ones  upon  a  cold,  unfeeling,  and  contaminating  world, 
without  the  shield  of  a  religious  education,  and  without 
the  support  and  guide  of  religious  principles.  That  you 
have  neglected  to  bestow,  these  you  have  neglected  to 
instil.  But  you  must  leave  them.  You  cannot  retrace 
your  steps.  You  cannot  stay  even  to  begin  the  work. 
And  should  you  meet  them  in  perdition,  how  insufferable 
their  upbraiding  !  how  overwhelming  your  remorse ! 

2.  Parents  owe  it  to  themselves  to  train  up  their  chil- 
dren in  the  way  in  which  they  should  go.  Their  own 
peace  and  happiness,  in  this  world,  will  depend  very 
much  on  the  character  and  conduct  of  their  children, 
unless  they  are  totally  destitute  of  all  natural  affection. 
And  even  then,  their  own  children,  through  parental 
neglect*  may  become  their  tormentors.  For  parents  are 
sometimes  punished  in  the  lives  of  their  children,  who 
become  rods  to  their  backs.  How  much  distress,  and 
trouble,  and  affliction,  are  sometimes  brought  into  a  fami- 
ly by  children,  whose  religious  education  has  been  neg- 
lected !     How  often  have  such  brought  down  the  gray 


FAMILY  RELIGION.  43 

hairs  of  their  broken-hearted  parents,  in  sorrow,  in  shame, 
and  in  disgrace,  to  the  grave !  And  even  if  they  survive, 
it  is  to  witness  the  sad  and  melancholy  spectacle  of  their 
children,  hurried,  through  the  want  of  early  and  proper 
training,  by  unbridled  lusts  and  unchecked  licentiousness, 
or  by  the  hand  of  the  duellist  or  assassin,  or  by  the  due 
execution  of  the  laws  of  the  land,  to  an  early  and  dis- 
honoured grave.  This  is  the  source  of  a  thousand  evils 
with  which  guilty  parents  and  their  families  may  be  af- 
flicted and  overwhelmed. 

On  the  other  hand,  how  much  joy  and  peace,  and  com- 
fort, does  a  parent's  heart  experience,  when  he  beholds  his 
children  walking  in  the  ways  of  righteousness,  devoting 
themselves  to  the  service  of  God,  and  to  the  good  of 
their  fellow-creatures  !  And  how  unspeakably  delightful 
is  the  reflection,  that  such  are  the  results  of  his  labours, 
his  instructions,  and  his  prayers,  in  training  them  in  early 
life  to  the  love  and  service  of  the  Most  High !  And  when 
called  to  part  with  them  at  death,  with  hope,  and  faith, 
and  settled  confidence,  may  you  leave  them  in  the  hands 
of  Him,  in  whose  nurture  and  admonition  you  have 
brought  them  up ! 

3.  You  owe  it  to  your  children,  thus  to  bring  them  up. 
You  have  been  the  means  of  bringing  them  into  this  world 
of  sin  and  misery,  where  they  are  exposed  to  innumera- 
ble evils  here,  and  endless  misery  hereafter.  You  have 
transmitted  to  them  that  depraved  and  sinful  nature, 
which,  through  successive  generations,  you  derived  from 
our  common  father  Adam.  They  come  into  the  world 
under  a  broken  covenant,  alienated  from  the  life  of  God, 
and  with  carnal  minds  at  enmity  against  Him.  They 
*-iave  immortal  souls  that  must  be  happy  or  miserable  for 
ever;  and  the  momentous  issue  instrumentally  depends, 
under  God,  very  much  on  the  manner  in  which  vou  brino- 
them  up.     You  launch  them  in  a  fragile  bark,  upon  life's 


44  FAMILY  RELIGION. 

troubled  sea,  amid  the  threatening  storms  by  which  it  is 
agitated,  and  surrounded  by  the  rocks  and  shoals  on 
which  thousands  and  thousands  are  fatally  and  for  ever 
wrecked.  Is  it  not  your  duty  to  provide  them  with  every 
means  of  safety  1  Is  it  not  your  duty  to  afford  them  that 
instruction,  to  instil  into  them  those  principles,  and  to 
point  them  to  that  example,  to  that  Guide  and  Saviour, 
by  means  of  which  they  may  arrive  in  safety  to  that 
"  haven  where  they  would  be"  ?  You  are  their  natural 
instructor,  governor,  and  protector.  To  you  they  look, 
on  you  they  depend,  for  all  that  is  within  your  power  and 
duty  to  afford  them,  in  order  to  accomplish  the  end  of 
their  existence.  They  have  a  claim  upon  you  which  can 
not  be  disputed,  nor  with  safety  and  impunity  disregard- 
ed. It  is  a  sacred  claim,  sanctioned  and  enforced  by  the 
relation  you  sustain  to  them,  and  by  the  authority  of  Him 
who  requires  its  liquidation  at  your  hands. 

SECTION  VII. 

4.  This  is  a  duty  which,  as  parents,  you  owe  to  the 
community  of  which  you  and  your  children  form  a  part, 
and  to  the  world  in  which  we  live.  Your  children  are 
to  be  either  blessings  or  curses  to  society,  according  as 
their  principles,  education,  and  habits  are  good  or  bad. 
Should  they  become,  through  neglect  of  proper  care  and 
attention  to  their  education,  profligates,  and  the  corrupters 
of  others,  you  will  have  entailed  an  evil  on  the  commu- 
nity in  which  they  live,  which  cannot  be  estimated  in  this 
life,  and  which  will  countervail  all  the  benefit  that  you 
may  have  conferred  on  the  race  by  your  own  life.  If 
"  one  sinner  destroyeth  much  good,"  who  can  conceive 
the  amount  of  injury  that  may  result  to  the  human  family, 
by  your  neglect  of  duty  to  your  children,  who  in  turn 
will,  according  to  your  example,  and  the  principles  they 
have  imbibed,  be  guilty  of  a  similar  neglect  to  theirs? 


FAMILY  RELIGION.  45 

Thus  may  their  successive  generations  prove  a  continued 
scourge  to  the  land  in  which  they  dwell.  Such  charac- 
ters are  a  two-fold  curse.  They  do  evil  and  prevent 
good.  And  they  may  in  the  end,  become  a  burden  to 
society,  and  dependent  on  its  support.  The  well-being 
of  every  community  must  depend,  instrumentally,  upon 
the  proper  education  and  training  of  those  who,  from 
time  to  time,  compose  it.  This  is  a  subject  of  vast 
moment  to  our  own  country.  The  magnitude  of  its 
importance,  and  its  direct  bearing  on  the  destiny  of  this 
nation,  are  more  and'  more  manifest  as  we  contemplate 
it.  Such  is  the  character  of  our  system  of  government, 
and  such  is  the  nature  of  our  free  institutions,  that  unless 
a  wholesome  moral  principle,  founded  on  eternal  truth 
and  righteousness,  pervade  and  actuate  the  people,  we 
may  not  hope  for  their  efficient  administration,  nor  for  a 
fair  and  just  experiment  of  the  doctrMe  of  self-govern- 
ment. It  is  the  glory  of  a  republic  that  it  cannot  flour- 
ish, nor  permanently  exist,  where  the  people  are  corrupt, 
ignorant,  and  debased.  Knowledge  and  christian  virtue 
form  the  basis  of  a  free  government.  And  if  these  be 
wanting,  the  superstructure  will  be  a  "  baseless  fabric.'* 
He  then  is  a  true  patriot,  an  efficient  benefactor  of  his 
country,  who  so  brings  up  his  offspring,  as  to  be  wise 
enough  to  understand,  and  virtuous  enough  to  seek,  her 
true  interest  and  honour. 

Should  the  people,  generally,  become  corrupt,  the  laws 
which  they  enact,  and  the  measures  which  they  adopt,  will 
wear  the  impress  of  their  own  unseemly  image.  The 
executive  arm  will  become  palsied,  or  nerved  by  reaction 
to  relentless  tyranny.  Our  free  institutions  will  crumble 
to  dust,  and  on  their  ruins  will  be  erected  an  absolute 
despotism.  Say  not  that  these  apprehensions  are  vision- 
ary. Look  at  the  history  and  fate  of  other  republics,  and 
learn  a  lesson  of  timely  wisdom.     We  live  not  for  our- 


46  FAMILY  RELIGION. 

selves  only,  but  to  transmit  unimpaired  to  posterity,  the 
just  principles  of  government  we  have  adopted,  and  the 
blessings  which  flow  from  them.  We  live  for  other 
nations,  and  for  their  descendants ;  for  if  the  experiment 
now  making  in  this  land,  should  prove  abortive,  their 
hopes  will  be  blighted,  and  the  fears  of  despots  will  be 
quieted,  and  their  principles  receive  plausibility  from  the 
failure  of  ours. 

Let  us  not  rely  too  confidently  upon  the  wisdom  of  our 
laws,  and  the  efficiency  with  which  they  may  now  be 
executed.  For  while  these  are  necessary  and  important, 
yet  if  we  neglect  to  cherish  in  the  people,  whose  benefit 
they  contemplate,  that  spirit,  and  those  principles  which 
enacted  them,  they  will  become  a  dead  letter,  and  their 
enforcement  will  dwindle  into  oppression,  or  criminal 
favouritism. 

It  is  a  shame  and  a  reproach  %  any  community,  where 
great  care  is  taken  to  punish  wickedness,  and  little  or 
none  to  prevent  it. 

I  am  fully  persuaded  that  it  is  the  influence  of  chris- 
tian principle  alone,  that  can  save  us.  "  Happy  is  that 
people  whose  God  is  the  Lord."  For  "righteousness 
exalteth  a  nation,  but  sin  is  a  reproach  to  any  people." 
"  The  wicked  shall  be  turned  into  hell,  with  all  the  nations 
that  forget  God."  By  the  smiles  of  a  merciful  God,  we 
succeeded  in  our  struggle  for  independence.  And  "  by 
the  grace  of  God  we  are,"  as  a  nation,  "  what  we  are." 
To  forget  or  disown  our  dependence  on  the  same  mercy 
and  power,  is  ingratitude  and  rebellion.  The  sinfulness 
of  this  nation,  and  its  abounding  licentiousness  of  princi- 
ple and  practice,  call  for  national  judgments,  and  may 
provoke  the  Most  High  to  bring  us  to  nought.  The  colo- 
nists were  successful  in  their  efforts,  because  God  was 
honoured  by  an  acknowledgment  of  their  dependence  on 
him,  and  by  devout  supplications  for  his  smiles. 


FAMILY  RELIGIQN.  47 

The  pious  of  every  denomination,  rushed  to  the  mercy- 
seat,  as  well  as  to  the  arms  of  defence,  in  the  mighty 
contest  And  though  it  were  but  an  infant  struggling  in 
his  cradle,  yet  by  the  divine  blessing,  it  proved  to  be  an 
infant  Hercules. 

There  was  a  goodly  number  in  public  life  at  that  time, 
who  were  no  strangers  to  the  throne  of  grace,  but  who 
habitually  sought  divine  wisdom  and  guidance.  They 
acted  with  an  energy  and  diligence,  that  seemed  to 
import  that  all  depended  on  human  agency,  and  at  the 
same  time,  prayed  and  wrestled  at  the  mercy  seat,  as  if 
all  depended  upon  the  interference  of  divine  omnipotence 
and  mercy.  Washington,  the  honoured  instrument  of 
our  success,  in  the  hand  of  God,  was  accustomed  to 
invoke  the  blessing  of  Jehovah  upon  his  plans  and  labours. 
In  the  declaration  of  our  Independence,  and  in  the  Con- 
stitution of  our  nation,  there  are  also  becoming  acknow- 
ledgments of  dependence  and  indebtedness  to  the  same 
source  Such  were  the  views,  and  such  were  the  feelings 
and  principles  of  the  men,  who  bore  the  most  conspicu- 
ous part,  in  the  memorable  transactions  of  that  eventful 
period.  And  if  such  principles  be  abandoned,  or  if  they 
be  not  industriously  instilled  into  the  minds  and  hearts  of 
our  children,  it  were  folly  and  presumption,  to  hope  for  a 
continuance  of  the  divine  favour  on  our  country. 

In  confirmation  of  the  views  and  convictions  just 
expressed,  I  call  the  reader's  attention  to  the  following 
language  of  Washington,  in  his  farewell  address.  "  Of 
all  the  dispositions  and  habits  which  lead  to  political  pros- 
perity, religion  and  morality  are  indispensable  supports. 
In  vain  would  that  man  claim  the  tribute  of  patriotism, 
who  should  labour  to  subvert  these  great  pillars  of  human 
happiness,  these  firmest  props  of  the  duties  of  men  and 
citizens.  The  mere  politician,  equally  with  the  pious 
man,  ought  to  respect  and  to  cherish  them.     A  volume 


48  FAMILY  RELIGION. 

could  not  trace  all  their  connexions  with  private  and  pub- 
lic felicity.  Let  it  be  simply  asked,  where  is  the  security 
for  property,  for  reputation,  for  life,  if  the  sense  of  reli- 
gious obligation  desert  the  oaths,  which  are  the  instru- 
ments of  investigation  in  courts  of  justice?  And  let  us 
with  caution  indulge  the  supposition,  that  morality  can 
be  maintained  without  religion.  Whatever  may  be  con- 
ceded to  the  influence  of  refined  education  on  minds  of 
peculiar  structure ;  reason  and  experience  both  forbid  us 
to  expect,  that  national  morality  can  prevail  in  exclusion 
of  religious  principle. 

"It  is  substantially  true,  that  virtue  or  morality  is  a 
necessary  spring  of  popular  government.  The  rule  indeed 
extends  with  more  or  less  force  to  every  species  of  free 
government.  Who  that  is  a  sincere  friend  to  it,  can  look 
with  indifference  upon  attempts  to  shake  the  foundation 
of  the  fabric  ?" 

Such  are  the  views  of  the  man  who  has  been  styled 
"  the  father  of  his  country."  The  allusion,  in  the  above 
extract,  to  the  religious  obligation  of  oaths,  deserves  spe- 
cial attention.  A  deep  sense  of  this  obligation  should  be 
sedulously  cherished  in  the  minds  of  children,  that  it  may 
be  controlling  and  abiding.  This  can  only  be  effected 
by  a  careful  religious  education.  Without  such  precau- 
tionary measures  on  the  part  of  parents,  their  children 
will  grow  up  without  fixed  and  definite  views  of  religion, 
and  liable  to  be  turned  about  like  a  weathercock,  by 
every  wind  of  dectrine. 

Should  they  espouse  the  principles  of  infidelity,  which 
is  nothing  more  than  a  bigoted  credulity  ;  or  should  they 
adopt  such  erroneous  views  of  Christianity,  as  amount 
to  little  or  nothing  more  than  modified  and  baptized 
deism,  they  will  regard  oaths  as  a  mere  legal  formality, 
and  be  uninfluenced  by  their  solemnity  and  obligation. 
And  there  can  be  no  doubt,  that  the  careless  and  irrever- 


FAMILY  RELIGION.  49 

ent  manner  in  which  they  are  sometimes  administered, 
tends  greatly  to  produce  this  effect  upon  the  minds  of  those 
who  are  sworn.  An  oath  is  an  act  of  religious  worship. 
And  as  to  those  w7ho  deny  the  being  or  essential  attributes 
of  God,  who  question  the  existence,  nature,  or  scriptural 
character  of  sin,  or  who  disbelieve  in  a  future  retribution 
of  punishment,  it  is  nothing  less  than  mockery  and  blas- 
phemy. But  it  is  a  question  for  the  legislative  power  to 
determine,  how  far  the  oaths  of  such  should  be  regarded, 
and  how  far  their  testimony  is  admissible,  in  courts  of 
justice. 

For  my  own  part,  I  should  have  but  little  hope  of  jus- 
tice, if  arraigned  at  the  bar,  and  the  verdict  of  the  jury 
were  to  be  determined  by  the  testimony  of  such  charac- 
ters, so  far  as  the  influence  of  oaths  is  concerned  ;  espe- 
cially if  they  could  secure  some  sinister  end,  or  gratify  a 
revengeful  spirit,  by  misrepresentation  or  concealment. 
It  is  manifest,  therefore,  that  you  owre  it  to  your  country 
and  to  your  fellow-creatures,  to  "  bring  up  your  children 
in  the  nurture  and  admonition  of  the  Lord." 


CHAPTER   III. 

SECTION  I. 

We  come  now  to  consider  the  remaining  office  devoid 
ing  on  the  head  of  a  family.  In  addition  to  that  of  go- 
vernor and  instructor,  he  is  required  to  act  the  part  of  a 
•priest  to  his  family.  I,  of  course,  use  the  wTord  "  priest" 
figuratively,  inasmuch  as  there  arenowno  sacrifices,  in  the 
proper  sense  of  the  term,  to  be  offered  up.  The  typical 
sacrifices  have  all  been  superseded  by  the  one  great  of- 
fering to  which  they  pointed ;  and  as  it  was  a  perfect  of- 
fering, there  is  no  necessity  for  another.  "  For  the  law 
having  a  shadow  of  good  things  to  come — can  never 

5 


50  FAMILY  RELIGION. 

with  those  sacrifices  which  they  offered  year  by  year 
continually,  make  the  comers  thereunto  perfect.  For 
then  would  they  not  have  ceased  to  be  offered?  because 
that  the  worshippers  once  purged  should  have  had  no 
more  conscience  of  sins."  Therefore,  "every  priest 
standeth  daily  ministering  and  offering  oftentimes  the 
same  sacrifices,  which  can  never  take  away  sins:  but 
this  man,  (Christ,)  after  he  had  offered  one  sacrifice  for 
sins,  for  ever  sat  down  on  the  right  hand  of  God."  "  For 
by  one  offering  he  hath  perfected  for  ever  them  that  are 
sanctified."  "Now  where  remission  of  these  (sins  and 
iniquities)  is,  there  is  no  more  offering  for  sin,"  Heb.  x.  1, 
2,  11,  12,  14,  18.  And  if  there  be  no  more  offering,  there 
are  no  more  priests.  The  doctrines  of  transubstantiation 
and  a  bloodless  sacrifice,  have  continued  the  appellation 
of  priests,  to  a  class  of  men  who  claim  to  be  the  ministers 
of  Christ.  What  I  mean,  therefore,  is,  that  the  head  of  a 
family  is  required  to  lead  in  the  social  devotions  of  his 
household,  at  stated  and  regular  times.  This  domestic 
worship  should  usually  embrace  reading  the  Scriptures, 
singing,  and  prayer.  And  in  the  same  character,  he  is 
required  to  implore,  at  his  table,  the  blessing  of  God  upon 
the  bounties  of  his  providence,  accompanied  with  devout 
thanksgiving  for  the  same. 

Man  is  bound  to  worship  God  in  every  relation  of  life 
in  which  he  may  be  placed.  As  an  individual,  it  is  his 
duty  to  observe  secret  prayer:  as  a  member  of  society, 
he  should  unite  in  the  public  worship  of  God  in  his  sanc- 
tuary :  and  as  the  head  of  a  family,  he  is  required  to  lead 
its  devotions.  As  a  reasonable  creature,  he  should  fre- 
quent his  closet,  to  engage  in  the  private  duties  of  reli- 
gion ;  as  a  social  being,  he  should  engage  with  others  in 
acts  of  worship.  All  things  were  made  far  God,  as  well 
as  by  Him.  And  all  his  works,  in  all  places  of  his  domi- 
nion, are  called  upon  to  praise  him.     Man,  as  an  indivi- 


FAMILY  RELIGION.  51 

dual,  was  made  for  God,  and  should  worship  Him.  Fa- 
milies were  established  for  God,  as  we  have  before  no- 
ticed, and  as  such  they  are  called  upon  to  worship  Him. 
Public  society,  and  the  powers  that  be,  are  ordained  of 
God  and  for  Him,  and  as  such,  should  worship  Him. 

It  is,  however,  to  the  duty  of  family  worship,  that  the 
reader's  attention  is  now  asked. 

This  duty  may  be  shown  from  the  light  of  reason,  and 
from  the  fitness  of  things. 

There  is  in  every  family,  an  interest  common  to  all 
that  compose  it.  The  joy  and  the  sorrow  of  one,  is  the 
joy  and  sorrow  of  all.  Whatever  affects  one  member, 
more  or  less  affects  the  whole  household.  This  is  par- 
ticularly manifest  in  the  blessings  and  curses  that  fall 
upon  them.  And  especially  does  this  tie  bind  the  interest 
of  all,  to  that  of  the  head  of  the  family.  If  he  be  prosper- 
ed, all  are  prospered,  and  partake  of  the  benefit.  If  he 
be  unfortunate,  or  injured,  all  share  in  the  adversity  and 
experience  a  common  reverse.  A  whole  family  is  some- 
times punished  for  the  sins  of  one  member.  If  one  be 
disgraced,  all  feel  that  they  bear  a  part  of  the  odium.  If 
one  be  honoured  and  promoted,  all  are  thereby  more  or 
less  elevated.  If  the  head  of  the  family  be  a  drunkard  or 
a  spendthrift ;  if  he  be  a  murderer  or  a  thief,  are  the  rest 
of  his  family  indifferent  or  unaffected?  Scripture  will 
justify  this  representation  of  a  common  connexion,  and 
mutual  interest  in  the  family  circle.  "  The  Ark  of  the 
Lord  continued  in  the  house  of  Obed-edom,  the  Gittite, 
three  months ;  and  the  Lord  blessed  Obed-edom,  and  all 
his  household."  2  Sam.  vi.  11.  David  was  taking  the 
ark  from  Kirjath-Jearim,  and  after  God  had  destroyed 
Uzzah,  for  his  unhallowed  touch,  "  David  carried  it  aside 
into  the  house  of  Obed-edom,  the  Gittite."  "And  the  Lord 
blessed  the  house  of  Obed-edom,  and  all  that  pertaineth 
unto  him,  because  of  the  ark  of  God."  vcr.  10. 12.  Here  the 


52  FAMILY  RELIGION. 

blessing  was  not  confined  to  the  head  of  the  family,  by 
whose  permission  the  ark  was  carried  into  his  house,  but 
all  the  household  partook  of  the  blessing.  "  The  Lord 
blessed  the  Egyptian's  house  for  Joseph's  sake ;  and  the 
blessing  of  the  Lord  was  upon  all  that  he  had,  in  the 
house,  and  in  the  field."  Gen.  xxxix.  5.  Here  the  bless- 
ing was  not  confined  to  Potiphar,  the  head  of  the  family, 
who  was  instrumental  in  bringing  him  under  his  roof,  his 
family  at  the  time  knowing  nothing  of  the  transaction 
between  him  and  the  Ishmaelites,  but  extended  to  his 
household.  God  declares,  "  I  will  bring  evil  on  the  house 
of  Jeroboam,"  1  Kings,  xiv.  10.  "Because  of  the  sins 
of  Jeroboam,  who  did  sin,  and  who  made  Israel  to  sin." 
ver.  16.  He  also  declared,  "  For  the  whole  house  of 
Ahab  shall  perish."  2  Kings,  ix.  8. — And  that  because  of 
Ahab's  sins.  Here  the  curse  falls  on  the  family  because 
of  the  sins  of  the  head  of  it.  "  The  house  of  the  righteous 
shall  stand."  Pro  v.  xii.  7.  "  But  the  house  of  the  wicked 
shall  be  overthrown."  Prov.  xiv.  11.  Look  at  the  case 
of  Dathan  and  Abiram,  "  how  the  earth  opened  her  mouth, 
and  swallowed  them  up,  and  their  households."  Deut. 
xi.  6.  Throughout  the  Scriptures  we  find  repeated  in- 
stances of  a  whole  family  being  blessed  or  cursed,  on  ac- 
count of  the  good  or  bad  conduct  of  the  head,  or  some 
other  member  of  it.  The  promise  is  to  believers  and  to 
their  seed.  This  at  once  establishes  the  common  and 
mutual  interest  of  which  we  speak. 

A  whole  family,  moreover,  is  sometimes  mentioned  in 
Scripture,  as  sinning  in  their  social  and  connected  capa- 
city. "  Lest  there  should  be  among  you,  man,  or  woman, 
or  family,  or  tribe,  whose  heart  turneth  away  this  day 
from  the  Lord  our  God,  to  go  and  serve  the  gods  of  these 
nations."  Deut.  xxix.  18.  Here  "a  family"  is  mentioned 
as  distinguished  from  a  man  or  woman  in  their  individual 
capacity.     Speaking  of  a  man  who  had  made  the  Lord 


FAMILY  RELIGION.  53 

his  habitation,  the  Psalmist  says,  "  There  shall  no  evil  be- 
fall thee,  neither  shall  any  plague  come  nigh  thy  dwell- 
ing." Ps.  xci.  10.  "  The  curse  of  the  Lord  is  in  the  house 
of  the  wicked,  but  he  blesseth  the  habitation  of  the  just." 
Prov.  hi.  33.  Speaking  of  a  man  who  should  commit 
idolatry,  God  declares,  "  I  will  set  my  face  against  that 
man,  and  against  his  family."  Levit.  xx.  5.  If,  then,  the 
members  of  a  family  be  so  intimately  connected  with  its 
head,  and  their  condition  so  naturally  determined  by  his, 
and  their  fate  so  dependent  on  his,  reason  alone  would 
dictate  that  he  should  lead  them  to  a  throne  of  grace,  and 
in  their  behalf,  supplicate  the  Divine  favour,  and  render 
thanks  for  the  mercies  they  have  enjoyed.  # 

Again,  this  duty  naturally  arises  from  the  relation  which 
a  family,  as  such,  sustains  to  God.  There  are  duties 
which  arise  out  of,  and  are  determined  by,  the  several  re- 
lations we  sustain  to  God  and  to  each  other.  These  du- 
ties are  discoverable  by  the  light  of  nature.  Repentance 
and  thanksgiving  are  duties  without  a  positive  command 
enjoining  them.  The  duty  of  prayer,  when  permission 
is  given  to  ask,  is  suggested  by  a  sense  of  dependence 
on  God.  The  mutual  duties  of  parent  and  child,  and  of 
the  head  and  members  of  a  family,  belong  to  the  same 
class.  It  appears  to  be  proper  and  reasonable,  in  itself 
considered,  when  about  to  retire  to  rest,  to  return  thanks 
for  the  mercies  of  the  day  past,  and  to  ask  protection  of 
a  watchful  omnipotence,  on  whom  we  ever  depend  for 
safety,  that  he  would  guard  us  in  the  defenceless  hours 
of  sleep,  from  the  dagger  of  the  assassin,  the  depredations 
of  the  thief  and  robber,  the  ravages  of  fire,  and  from  every 
other  danger  to  which  we  are  exposed.  And  in  the  morn- 
ing, to  acknowledge  our  indebtedness  to  God,  for  such 
protection,  and  to  supplicate  the  same  for  the  day,  and  all 
necessary  provision  for  our  wants,  and  grace  to  discharge 
aright,  our  respective  duties.     So  clearly  manifest  is  this 

5* 


54  FAMILY  RELIGION. 

duty,  that  even  the  heathen  pay  such  worship  to  their 
household  gods.  The  rising  and  the  setting  sun,  point 
out  the  appropriate  seasons  for  this  duty,  and  so  sensibly 
is  it  felt  at  such  times,  that  those  without  the  knowledge 
of  the  true  God,  have  even  worshipped  the  sun  at  his 
rising  and  setting.  As  this  is  a  natural  division  of  time, 
it  appears  from  many  considerations,  that  the  morning 
and  evening  are  the  most  convenient  and  appropriate  sea- 
sons for  family  worship.  The  members  of  the  family  are 
usually  together  at  such  times.  At  night  our  labour  ends, 
and  in  the  morning  our  slumbers  end.  And  there  is  little 
danger  of  interruption  then,  either  by  business  or  visiters. 
"  It  is  a  good  thing,"  says  the  Psalmist,  "  to  show  forth 
thy  loving  kindness  in  the  morning,  and  thy  faithfulness 
every  night."  Ps.  xcii.  2. 

SECTION  II. 

The  duty  in  question  is  fully  settled  by  the  authority 
of  Holy  Writ.  There  is,  indeed,  no  specific  and  formal 
command  on  the  subject.  This  we  had  no  reason  to  ex- 
pect, any  more  than  a  formal  injunction,  requiring  men 
to  eat  and  sleep.  The  Scriptures  do  not  stop  to  announce 
every  thing  which  is  clearly  taught  by  the  light  of  nature, 
but  proceeds  on  the  supposition  of  such  things  being  al- 
ready known.  The  being  of  a  God  is  nowhere  profess- 
edly announced  as  a  matter  of  information:  hence  the 
Scriptures  begin  by  declaring  that  God  created  the  hea- 
vens and  the  earth.  The  being  of  this  Creator,  is  sup- 
posed to  be  already  known,  having  been  so  long  and  so 
distinctly  declared  by  the  works  of  his  hand.  So,  the 
religious  duties  of  families,  are  nowhere  prescribed  or 
specifically  enjoined,  because  easily  discovered  by  the 
light  of  nature,  as  is  evident  from  the  existence  of  house- 
hold gods  among  the  heathen.  Now,  this  family  idolatry 
was  not  practised  in  the  room  and  stead  of  irreligion  or  no 


FAMILY  RELIGION.  55 

religion,  but  of  the  true  religion.  While  this  idolatry  is 
sinful  in  the  sight  of  God,  its  habitual  practice  certainly 
discovers  a  sense  of  obligation,  which  should  cause  nomi- 
nal Christians  to  blush,  who  neglect  the  duty  we  are  con- 
sidering. If  the  want  of  an  explicit  command  be  any  ar- 
gument against  this  duty,  it  will  apply  with  equal  force 
to  public  prayer,  for  which  there  is  no  such  professed 
command.  Both  these  duties  are  dictated  by  the  nature 
and  spirit  of  genuine  religion.  And  where  this  exists  and 
reigns  in  the  heart  of  any  man,  he  does  not  require,  nor 
wait  for,  such  a  command.  He  is  prompted  to  their  ob- 
servance, by  the  influence  of  divine  grace,  just  as  he  is 
moved  to  eat  or  sleep,  by  the  natural  appetites  of  the 
body.  "  The  world  had  gone  on  for  many  ages,"  says  a 
late  judicious  writer,  "  and  been  favoured  too,  with  no 
small  portion  of  divine  revelation,  without  prayer  in  any 
form,  having  been  once  enjoined  or  instituted  as  a  duty, 
whether  in  the  closet,  the  family,  or  the  church.  No  ; 
from  the  beginning,  the  piety  of  the  heart  led  men  to  take 
up  this  subject  in  the  only  way  wrhich  was  natural,  and 
proper,  and  safe ;  from  the  beginning,  such  men  had  al- 
ways prayed  and  worshipped,  and  that,  thousands  of 
years  before  Paul  had  said  to  Timothy,  '  I  will  that  men 
pray  everywhere,  lifting  up  holy  hands,  without  wrath 
and  doubting.' 

"  The  very  first  injunction  in  Scripture,  therefore,  respect- 
ing such  a  moral  duty,  was  likely  to  occur,  not  in  the 
way  of  positive  institution,  as  something  which  then  only 
had  begun  to  be  incumbent,  and  then  only  to  be  begun, 
and  much  less  something  which  wras  before  unknown. 
Accordingly  it  turns  out,  that  the  first  injunction  respect- 
ing prayer,  in  the  volume  of  inspiration,  the  terms  of 
which  regard  it,  as  in  any  sense  generally  obligatory, 
does  not  occur  until  the  wrorld  was  at  least  three  thou- 
sand vears  old,  and  the  Jewish  church  about  eight  hun- 


56  FAMILY  RELIGION. 

dred.  Psalms  cxxii.  6.  Perhaps  the  passage  which 
might  be  styled  the  second,  does  not  occur  till  at  least 
two  hundred  years  after.  Jerem.  xxix.  7.  At  the  same 
time,  the  manner,  the  seasons,  the  spirit,  the  constancy, 
the  universality  of  prayer,  as  the  attendant  of  piety,  I  find 
scattered  over  the  whole  volume,  from  the  earliest  times. 
Nay,  it  is  not  a  little  remarkable,  that  the  very  first  pas- 
sage in  which  prayer  is  recorded,  happens  to  be  the  sup- 
plication of  a  parent — the  fervent  wish  of  a  father  for  his 
son.  Gen.  xvii.  18.  And  the  very  next  presents  this  same 
parent  before  us,  interceding  with  peculiar  earnestness, 
for  the  vilest  of  men.  Gen.  xviii.  24."* 

Had  there  been  an  express  command  given,  in  regard 
to  this  duty,  as  to  time,  place,  and  frequency,  it  would 
doubtless  have  occasioned  much  distress  to  tender  con- 
sciences, wherever  and  whenever  it  could  not  be  perform- 
ed, for  want  of  time  or  opportunity,  in  a  proper  manner 
It  seems,  moreover,  to  have  been  left  in  the  way  that  we 
find  it,  for  the  purpose  of  trying  the  spirits  of  men,  whe- 
ther they  be  of  God  or  not.  It  certainly  does  operate  as 
a  test,  by  which  the  character  and  degree  of  every  pa- 
rent's religion,  faith,  and  love,  are  determined.  And  it 
points  out  those  who  would  excuse  themselves  from  the 
duty,  on  the  ground  of  there  being  no  express  command 
on  the  subject. 

We  are  not  left,  however,  without  sufficient  light,  even 
from  Scripture,  on  this  subject.  There  are  general  ex- 
hortations to  the  duty  of  prayer,  in  connexion  with  a  spe- 
cification of  other  family  duties,  from  which  it  would  be 
difficult  to  argue  an  exception  in  favour  of  that  now  un- 
der consideration,  and  in  which  it  is  as  evidently  included, 
as  that  of  private  or  public  prayer.  No  particular  form 
is  specified,  while  prayer  in  general  is  enjoined;  and  that 

*  Anderson's  Book  for  Parents,  p.  317. 


FAMILY  RELIGION.  57 

too,  in  such  a  connexion  as  makes  it  evident  that  family- 
prayer  is  particularly  meant.  For  example ;  the  apostle 
Paul  writing  to  the  Colossians,  enters  into  a  minute  detail 
of  family  duties,  and  winds  up  by  saying,  "  continue  in 
prayer,  and  watch  in  the  same  with  thanksgiving."  Col. 
hi.  iv.  1,  2.  We  find  a  similar  detail  of  domestic  duties 
in  his  epistle  to  the  Ephesians,  which  he  also  concludes 
by  saying,  "  praying  always  with  all  prayer  and  suppli- 
cation in  the  spirit."  Eph.  vi.  1 — 18.  "Praying  always 
with  all  prayer,"  is  a  mode  of  expression  which  clearly 
includes  family  prayer.  And  to  make  an  exception  of 
this  species  of  devotion,  wrould  certainly  be  presumption, 
and  a  trifling  wTith  Scripture.  Again :  this  Apostle,  writ- 
ing to  Timothy,  says,  "  I  will,  therefore,  that  men  pray 
everywhere."  1  Tim.  ii.  8.  Is  a  family  circle  nowhere, 
or  is  it  included  in  the  everywhere  ?  The  apostle  Peter 
exhorts  husbands  and  wives  to  dwell  together,  as  "  be- 
ing heirs  of  the  grace  of  life,  that  their  prayers  be  not 
hindered."  1  Peter,  iii.  7.  This  exhortation,  also,  is  in 
connexion  with  a  partial  detail  of  domestic  duties.  So- 
cial, united  family  prayer  seems  here  to  be  primarily  in- 
tended: for  if  there  be  contention,  bitterness,  and  unkind- 
ness  between  the  heads  of  the  family,  how  is  it  possible 
that  they  can  unite  their  hearts  and  their  devotions  at  the 
family  altar  ?  Social  prayer  is  a  union  and  communion 
of  desire  and  thanksgiving  towards  God ;  but  this  will  be 
hindered,  if  there  be  not  a  proper  understanding  and  feel- 
ing between  those  who  come  together  for  worship :  and 
certainly  there  will  be  none,  if  they  do  not  pray  together 
at  all.  They  should  live,  therefore,  together  as  the  heirs 
of  the  grace  of  life,  praying  together  with  the  family,  and 
entertaining  for  each  other  a  suitable  affection. 

The  Psalmist  says,  "  The  Lord  loveth  the  gates  of  Zion 
more  than  all  the  dwellings  of  Jacob."  Ps.  lxxxvii.  2.  It 
is  not  said  that  he  loves  not  the  dwellings  of  Jacob,  but 


58  FAMILY  RELIGION. 

that  he  loves  the  gates  of  Zion  more.  He  loves  them  both 
for  the  same  reason,  namely,  the  worship  that  is  paid  him 
in  both.  The  worship  of  the  sanctuary  is  a  more  public 
and  solemn  act  of  devotion.  But  that  of  the  family  is  not 
the  less  obligatory.  And  this  obligation,  the  pious  of 
every  age  have  felt  and  acknowledged.  Hence,  "the 
voice  of  rejoicing  and  salvation  is  in  the  tabernacles  of 
the  righteous."  Ps.  cxviii.  15.  The  promise  connected 
with  the  duty  of  social  prayer,  was  designed  to  embrace 
the  smallest  number  that  can  constitute  a  family;  for  it 
is  where  but  two  or  three  are  gathered  together  for  this 
purpose,  that  he  is  in  the  midst  of  them. 

"  I  query  if  that  beautiful  form  of  prayer,  which  our 
blessed  Lord  gave  to  his  followers,  does  not  involve  an 
argument  in  favour  of  family  prayer ;  nay,  of  daily  fami- 
ly devotion.  It  is  worthy  of  remark,  that  in  the  sixth 
chapter  of  Matthew,  after  he  had  directed  his  disciples 
with  regard  to  private  prayer,  he  did  not  stop  there.  In 
the  seventh  verse,  he  begins  to  use  the  plural  number,  and 
proceeding  to  a  social  act  of  worship,  he  refers  to  the 
prayers  of  such  as  could  pray  together  daily.  In  this  most 
comprehensive  prayer,  after  giving  to  God  that  place  and 
honour  which  corresponds  to  the  first  table  of  the  moral 
law,  he  descends  to  matters  of  daily  and  common  interest 
in  a  family ;  and  among  these,  here  instructing  the  poor- 
est parent  how  to  dismiss  inordinate  anxiety,  as  to  the 
common  provision  for  his  little  band,  he  directs  him  to 
pray — '  Our  Father  who  art  in  heaven — give  us  this  day 
our  daily  bread.'  The  petition  immediately  preceding 
this,  had  been — '  thy  will  be  done  on  earth  as  it  is  done 
in  heaven.'  Now,  I  would  only  ask,  if  over  the  wide 
world,  the  will  of  God  were  done,  by  whom  would,  nay, 
by  whom  could  this  petition,  in  genera],  be  offered,  if  not 
by  the  parent,  at  the  head  of  his  family,  to  whom,  as  an 
instrument  under  God,  we  look  for  the  provision  of  such 


FAMILY  RELIGION.  59 

daily  sustenance  ?  Or,  I  ask,  can  a  more  beautiful  morn- 
ing-picture be  conceived,  than  that  of  the  fathers  below, 
thus  beginning  the  day  I  Meanwhile,  should  the  solitary 
christian,  retiring  to  his  closet,  and  carrying  the  social 
spirit  of  Christianity  along  with  him,  use  this  form,  un- 
questionably he  will  be  heard ;  and  in  the  house  of  God, 
leaving  the  world  behind  us,  let  us  do  the  same  occasion- 
ally ;  but  still  in  form  and  spirit,  this  will  ever  remain  a 
week-day  social  family  prayer."* 

God  is  certainly  not  regardless  of  those  families  who 
honour  him  by  their  social  devotions.  Nor  is  he  indif- 
ferent to  those  that  neglect  this  important  duty.  He  will 
"  pour  out  his  fury  upon  the  heathen  that  know  him  not, 
and  upon  the  families  that  call  not  on  his  name."  Jer.  x. 
25.  Heathen  families  call  not  on  the  name  of  the  true 
God,  but  he  that  neglects  to  provide  for  his  own  house, 
both  temporally  and  spiritually,  is  worse  than  an  infidel. 
What,  then,  shall  be  his  portion  ?  u  If  he  that  despised 
Moses'  law,  died  without  mercy  under  two  or  three  wit- 
nesses, of  how  much  sorer  punishment,  suppose  ye,  shall 
he  be  thought  worthy,  who  hath  trodden  under  foot  the 
Son  of  God  ?"  Heb.  x.  28,  29.  As  the  Lord  would  not 
suffer  the  destroying  angel  to  come  into  their  houses  to 
smite  them,  whose  lintels  and  two  side-posts  of  the  door, 
were  sprinkled  with  the  blood  of  the  lamb,  so  we  may 
confide  in  his  mercy,  that  he  will  smile  upon  those  houses 
where  the  morning  and  evening  sacrifice  of  praise,  is 
offered  up  to  the  Lamb  of  God. 

It  is  related  that  an  earthquake  once  destroyed  a  town 
in  Switzerland,  consisting  of  ninety  houses:  every  house 
was  thrown  down  except  the  half  of  a  house,  in  which 
part,  a  family  were  assembled  and  engaged  in  worship. 
The  observance  of  family  duties,  or  of  any  other  duties 

*  Andersen's  Book  for  Parents,  p.  822,  323. 


60  FAMILY  RELIGION. 

is  not,  indeed,  a  meritorious  ground  of  acceptance  with 
God,  for  we  are  not  justified  by  works,  but  by  the  right- 
eousness of  Christ;  yet  it  is  equally  true,  that  God  is 
pleased  in  mercy  to  bless  them  that  honour  him.  He 
establisheth  the  habitation  of  the  righteous. 

SECTION  III. 

Let  us  now  look  at  the  examples  of  those  eminent  saints 
mentioned  in  Scripture,  and  see  whether  they  thought  the 
duty  of  family- worship  obligatory  or  not.  More  was  not 
required  of  them  than  of  us ;  rather  less  was  to  be  ex- 
pected, as  they  had  less  light.  "  Life  and  immortality 
were  brought  to  light  by  the  Gospel."  "  The  law  was 
given  by  Moses,  but  grace  and  truth  came  by  Jesus 
Christ."  "  There  hath  not  risen  a  greater  than  John  the 
Baptist :  notwithstanding,  he  that  is  least  in  the  kingdom 
of  heaven  is  greater  than  he."  Matt.  xi.  11.  "And  that 
servant  which  knew  the  Lord's  will,  and  prepared  not 
himself,  neither  did  according  to  his  will,  shall  be  beaten 
with  many  stripes ;  but  he  that  knew  not,  and  did  com- 
mit things  worthy  of  stripes,  shall  be  beaten  with  few 
stripes.  For  unto  whomsoever  much  is  given,  of  him 
shall  be  much  required;  and  to  whom  men  have  com- 
mitted much,  of  him  they  will  ask  the  more."  Luke  xii. 
47,  48.  If,  then,  the  light  of  nature  and  of  Scripture, 
were  sufficient  to  lead  those  whose  examples  we  are  about 
to  examine,  to  the  observance  of  this  duty,  how  much 
rather  should  the  increased  light  of  the  Gospel,  the  in- 
creased manifestation  of  the  Holy  Spirit,  and  the  in- 
creased knowledge  of  God's  will,  lead  us  to  its  habitual 
and  faithful  performance  !  How  much  more  has  God  a 
right  to  expect  at  our  hands,  who  have  been  favoured 
with  a  much  more  full  revelation  of  his  mind,  and  of  our 
duty  to  him  ! 

The  patriarchs,  whithersoever  they  journeyed,  built  al- 


FAMILY  RELIGION.  61 

tars  to  God,  at  which  they  and  their  families  worshipped. 
God  bears  honourable  testimony  to  the  faithfulness  of 
Abraham  in  this  respect,  "  For  I  know  him,  that  he  will 
command  his  children  and  his  household  after  him,  and 
they  shall  keep  the  way  of  the  Lord  to  do  justice  and 
judgment."  Gen.  xviii.  19.  Now  "If  ye  were  Abraham's 
children,  ye  would  do  the  works  of  Abraham."  John  viii. 
39.  But  even  Abraham  was  not  justified  by  works,  but 
by  faith.  "  For  if  Abraham  were  justified  by  works,  he 
hath  whereof  to  glory,  but  not  before  God."  Rom.  iv.  2. 

"  Then  Jacob  said  unto  his  household,  and  to  all  that 
were  with  him,  Put  away  the  strange  gods  that  are  among 
you,  and  be  clean,  and  change  your  garments :  and  let 
us  arise  and  go  up  to  Bethel ;  and  I  will  make  there  an 
altar  unto  God."  Gen.  xxxv.  2,  3. 

Joshua  resolved  that  "  as  for  me  and  my  house,  we  will 
serve  the  Lord."  Josh.  xxiv.  15.  Queen  Esther  and  her 
maidens  kept  a  fast  together.  Esther  iv.  16.  The  days 
wherein  the  Jews  rested  from  their  enemies,  in  the  time 
of  Mordecai,  were  kept,  according  to  their  appointed  time 
every  year,  by  "  every  generation,  every  family,  every 
province,  and  every  city."  Esther  ix.  28. 

"  Job  rose  early  in  the  morning,  and  offered  burnt  offer- 
ings for  his  sons,  according  to  the  number  of  them  all: 
for  Job  said,  It  may  be  that  my  sons  have  sinned,  and 
cursed  God  in  their  hearts. .  Thus  did  Job  continually." 
Job  i.  5. 

At  the  institution  of  the  passover,  it  was  required  that 
the  people  "  take  to  them  every  man  a  lamb,  according 
to  the  house  of  their  fathers,  a  lamb  for  an  house :  and  if 
the  household  be  too  little  for  the  lamb,  let  him  and  his 
neighbour  unto  his  house,  take  it  according  to  the  number 
of  the  souls."  Ex.  xii.  3,  4.  Here  was  family  worship. 
It  was  a  regulation  that  no  lamb  should  be  used  for  less 
than  ten  persons :  each  family  or  company,  therefore,  was 

6 


62  FAMILY  RELIGION. 

required  to  have  at  least  that  number  of  members.  Hence 
small  families  had  to  unite  with  their  neighbours  in  this 
worship,  in  order  to  make  up  the  requisite  number.  But 
under  the  Gospel,  that  is  social  and  acceptable  worship, 
where  even  two  or  three  are  met  together  in  the  name 
of  the  Lord.  Although  this  service  was  subsequently 
performed  at  the  temple,  morning  and  evening,  yet  the 
distinctive  character  of  a  family  offering  was  preserved. 

"  Now  this  is  that  which  thou  shalt  offer  upon  the  altar ; 
two  lambs  of  the  first  year,  day  by  day  continually. 
The  one  lamb  shalt  thou  offer  in  the  morning,  and  the 
other  lamb  shalt  thou  offer  at  even."  Ex.  xxix.  38,  39. 
To  this  the  Psalmist  probably  alludes  when  he  says,  "  my 
voice  shalt  thou  hear  in  the  morning,  O  Lord:  in  the 
morning  will  I  direct  my  prayer  unto  thee,  and  will  look 
up."  Ps.  v.  3.  "  Let  my  prayer  be  set  forth  before  thee 
as  incense,  and  the  lifting  up  of  my  hands  as  the  evening 
sacrifice."  Ps.  cxli.  2. 

Cornelius  the  centurion  was  "  a  devout  man,  and  one 
that  feared  God  with  all  his  house,  which  gave  much 
alms  to  the  people,  and  prayed  to  God  always."  Acts  x. 
2.  "  At  the  ninth  hour  I  prayed  in  my  house,  and  behold 
a  man  stood  before  me  in  bright  clothing."  ver.  30.  If 
he  "  prayed  to  God  always"  and  "  prayed  in  his  house," 
there  can  be  no  doubt  that  he  prayed  with  his  family. 

It  is  manifestly  true  that  "  except  the  Lord  build  the 
house,  they  labour  in  vain  that  build  it." 

As  the  character  and  condition  of  your  posterity,  are 
intimately  connected  with  the  due  observance  of  this  duty 
in  your  house,  it  becomes  a  matter  of  unspeakable  mo- 
ment to  every  parent.  David  says  of  the  Lord,  "He 
established  a  testimony  in  Jacob,  and  appointed  a  law  in 
Israel,  which  he  commanded  our  fathers,  that  they  should 
make  them  known  to  their  children,  that  the  generations 
to  come  might  know  them,  even  the  children  which  should 


FAMILY  RELIGION.  63 

be  born,  who  should  arise  and  declare  them  to  their  chil- 
dren, that  they  might  set  their  hope  in  God,  and  not  for- 
get the  works  of  God,  but  keep  his  commandments."  Ps. 
lxxviii.  5 — 7.  Perhaps,  the  present  degraded  condition 
of  the  millions  of  immortal  souls  now  living  in  idolatry, 
as  well  as  that  of  the  many  profligate  and  irreligious 
families  in  Christendom,  might  be  traced  up  to  the  neglect 
of  this  important  duty,  as  one  principal  cause.  And  who 
can  tell  the  misery,  degradation,  and  guilt  into  which  you 
may  plunge  generations  yet  unborn,  by  neglecting  to  call 
upon  God  in  your  family?  You  must  expect  to  reap 
what  you  sow.  "  Do  men  gather  grapes  of  thorns,  or 
figs  of  thistles  V9  What,  then,  may  you  reasonably  ex- 
pect to  result  to  your  offspring,  by  training  them  up  in 
irreligion,  and  in  the  neglect  of  obvious  duty?  On  the 
other  hand,  how  uniform  and  striking  are  the  providence 
and  grace  of  God,  in  regard  to  those  families  and  their 
descendants,  where  the  morning  and  evening  incense  of 
praise  and  prayer,  ascended  habitually  to  God,  from  their 
consecrated  circle !  In  the  Old  as  well  as  in  the  New 
Testament,  it  may  be  seen,  how  piety  and  blessedness 
descended  in  the  same  family,  from  generation  to  gene- 
ration. "  Of  the  twelve  apostles  of  the  Lamb,  eight  of 
them  were  brothers  chosen  out  of  three  families ;  and  no- 
thing, by  the  way,  could  be  more  lovely  than  these  bro- 
thers going  out  two  and  two,  as  they  afterwards  did,  by 
the  direction  of  our  Saviour."* 

"  Mary,  the  mother  of  four  of  the  apostles,  as  well  as  of 
Joses  or  Joseph  (who  is  generally  regarded  to  have  been 
one  of  the  two  individuals  whom  the  apostles  proposed 
as  qualified  to  fill  the  place  of  Judas,  and  who,  therefore, 
had  accompanied  the  Messiah  in  all  his  travels,)  sustain- 
ed a  character  equal  to   that  of  Salome,  her  constant 

*  Anderson's  Book  for  Parents,  p.  84. 


64  FAMILY  RELIGION. 

companion.  This  eminent  woman  had  the  felicity  not 
only  of  furnishing  four  out  of  the  twelve  apostles  of  the 
Lamb, — she,  too,  followed  him,  and  she  also  ministered 
to  him  of  her  substance,  with  the  cordial  consent  of  such 
a  man  as  Cleopas  her  husband.  At  the  closing  scene,  to 
her  was  also  given  the  honour  of  standing  by,  and  sus- 
taining the  mother  of  Jesus,  when  he  was  stretched  on 
the  cross."* 

Timothy  was  the  descendant  of  a  pious  family,  and 
this  is  particularly  noticed  by  the  Apostle  Paul  as  a  mat- 
ter of  importance.  "  When  I  call  to  remembrance  the 
unfeigned  faith  that  is  in  thee,  which  dwelt  first  in  thy 
grandmother  Lois,  and  thy  mother  Eunice;  and  I  am 
persuaded  that  in  thee  also."    2  Tim.  i.  5. 

The  regular  observance  of  family  worship,  will  have 
the  happiest  effect  upon  the  whole  household.  He  who 
leads  them  in  this  service  will,  by  its  secret  and  almost 
unconscious  influence,  be  led  to  be  more  circumspect  in 
his  outward  walk,  knowing  that  the  office  which  he  holds 
in  the  family,  naturally  creates  in  the  minds  of  the  mem- 
bers of  it,  the  expectation  of  a  becoming  example.  How 
can  he  use  improper  language,  or  exhibit  an  unchristian 
temper,  when  he  is  so  soon  to  lead  them  in  prayer  to  the 
throne  of  grace  ?  How  can  he  neglect  the  sanctuary,  or 
desecrate  the  Sabbath,  while  he  scrupulously  attends 
upon  the  duties  of  the  domestic  altar  ?  "  He  who  stated- 
ly invites  others  to  be  witnesses  of  his  devotions,"  says 
the  late  Robert  Hall,  "  invites  a  peculiar  inspection  of 
his  behaviour,  and  must  be  conscious  to  how  much  ob- 
servation and  contempt  he  lays  himself  open,  should  he 
betray  a  flagrant  inconsistency  between  his  prayers  and 
his  conduct.     That  parent  who,  morning  and  evening, 

*  Anderson's  Book  for  Parents,  p.  88. 


FAMILY  RELIGION.  65 

summons  his  family  to  acts  of  devotion,  is  not,  perhaps, 
distinctly  aware  of  the  total  amount  of  the  influence  this 
circumstance  has  upon  his  mind.  It  will  act  as  a  con- 
tinual monitor,  and  will  impose  useful  restraints  upon  his 
behaviour.  He  recollects  that  he  is  about  to  assume  an 
awful  and  venerable  character  in  the  eyes  of  his  domes- 
tics— a  character  which  must  set  the  indulgence  of  a 
multitude  of  improprieties  in  a  most  glaring  light.  Is  he 
in  danger  of  being  ensnared  into  indecent  levity,  or  of 
contracting  a  habit  of  foolish  jesting  and  talking  1  he  re- 
collects he  is  soon  to  appear  as  the  mouth  of  his  family, 
in  addressing  the  blessed  God.  Is  he  surrounded  with 
temptations  to  an  immoderate  indulgence  of  his  fleshly 
appetites  in  meats  and  drinks  ?  Should  he  yield  to  the 
temptation,  how  could  he  bear,  in  the  eyes  of  his  family, 
to  appear  on  his  knees  before  God  ?  Is  he  tempted  to 
use  harsh  and  provoking  language  to  his  children  1  he 
recollects  he  is  in  a  few  hours  to  bear  them  in  his  arms 
before  the  Lord.  He  is  to  commend  his  companion  in 
life,  to  the  divine  mercy  and  protection ;  how  then  can 
he  be  '  bitter  against  her  V  The  case  of  his  servants  is 
to  be  shortly  presented  before  God  in  social  prayer ;  un- 
der such  a  recollection,  it  will  surely  not  be  difficult  for 
him  to  forbear  threatening,  reflecting  that  he  himself  has 
a  master  in  heaven.  Knowing  that  in  the  hearing  of  all 
his  inmates,  he  is  about  to  bewail  the  corruption  of  his 
nature,  to  implore  pardon  for  his  sins,  and  strength  to  re- 
sist temptation ;  will  he  not  feel  a  double  obligation  on 
this  account,  to  struggle  against  that  corruption,  and 
anxiously  to  shun  temptation  ?  The  punctual  discharge 
of  the  duty  we  are  contending  for,  will  naturally  strength- 
en his  sense  of  the  obligation  of  domestic  duties,  forcibly 
remind  him  of  what  he  owes  to  every  member  of  the 

'6* 


66  FAMILY  RELIGION. 

domestic  circle,  and  cement  the  ties  of  conjugal  and  pa- 
rental affection."* 

The  influence  of  this  service,  will  be  sensibly  felt  by 
the  children  and  domestics  of  the  family.  It  will  cause 
them  to  recollect  that  there  is  a  God,  that  he  is  present 
with  them  at  all  times,  and  is  not  only  a  constant  eye- 
witness to  their  conduct,  but  that  he  is  intimately  ac- 
quainted with  their  most  secret  thoughts,  purposes,  and 
desires.  It  will  remind  them,  that  there  are  solemn  and 
important  duties  which  he  requires  of  them,  and  that  he 
will  hold  them  guilty,  if  they  neglect  them.  It  will  im- 
press on  their  minds  the  instructions  of  the  Sabbath, 
whether  received  from  the  pulpit,  or  in  the  Sabbath 
School.  It  will  convince  them  of  the  duty  of  prayer, 
and  in  a  great  measure  teach  them  how  to  pray.  When 
he,  who  leads  the  devotions,  acknowledges  and  bewails 
their  sinfulness,  it  will  cause  them  to  think  of,  and  consid- 
er their  true  character,  and  teach  them  the  awful  nature 
of  sin,  that  it  is  "  an  evil  and  a  bitter  thing,"  and  that 
repentance  is  a  duty,  and  a  necessary  prerequisite  to  the 
enjoyment  of  God's  favour.  When  he  asks  of  God  the 
pardon  of  their  iniquities,  it  will  teach  them  their  guilt 
and  condemnation  in  his  sight.  When  he  supplicates  the 
regenerating  and  sanctifying  grace  of  the  Spirit,  it  will 
teach  them  their  native  corruption,  and  the  indispensable 
necessity  of  a  change  of  heart.  When  he  asks  for  pro- 
tection, it  will  remind  them  of  their  danger  and  helpless- 
ness, and  direct  their  minds  to  the  only  sure  defence.  When 
he  asks  a  merciful  provision  for  their  daily  wants,  it  will 
teach  them  their  dependence,  and  point  them  to  the  source 
of  bounty.  When  he  prays  for  their  enemies,  it  will 
teach  them  the  duty  of  forgiveness,  and  to  return  good 
for  evil.    When  he  prays  for  their  absent  friends,  it  will 

*  Hall's  Works,  Vol.  iii.  p.  135. 


FAMILY  RELIGION.  67 

teach  them  the  duty  of  intercession,  and  of  cultivating  a 
kind  and  benevolent  spirit  towards  all.  When  he  prays 
for  the  coming  and  extension  of  the  Redeemer's  kingdom 
on  earth,  it  will  impress  them  with  a  sense  of  universal 
good  will,  expand  their  minds  beyond  the  little  circle,  and 
even  the  community  in  which  they  live,  and  tend  to  fill 
them  with  new  conceptions  of  the  Divine  glory  and  per- 
fections. When  their  own  souls  are  made  the  subject  of 
earnest  supplication,  they  will  most  likely  be  arrested, 
and  made  to  ponder  their  ways.  It  will  teach  them  both 
the  value  and  the  danger  of  their  souls,  and  may  excite 
within  them  a  hopeful  anxiety  for  their  salvation.  It  may 
lead  them  to  prize  the  favour  of  God  more  than  every 
earthly  good,  and  to  seek  it  with  earnestness  and  success. 
Such  has  been  the  case  in  numerous  instances.  The  dis- 
closures of  eternity  will  reveal  facts  of  the  most  soul- 
stirring  character,  in  regard  to  the  results  of  this  service, 
wherever  it  has  been  statedly  and  zealously  performed. 
Many  who  shall  forever  "  praise  God  in  his  holiness,"  will 
attribute  their  salvation,  instrumentally,  to  the  devotions 
of  the  domestic  circle.  Many  a  child's  heart  has  been 
pierced  with  a  sense  of  sin,  and  brought  to  saving  'con- 
trition, by  means  of  a  parent's  affectionate  and  earnest 
prayers  in  his  behalf,  and  in  his  hearing. 

Singing  the  praises  of  God,  will  teach  them  the  duty 
of  gratitude  and  thanksgiving.  And  the  devout  reading 
of  the  Scriptures,  will  beget  in  their  minds  a  proper  and 
salutary  reverence  for  the  Holy  Book,  and  store  them 
with  many  important  truths,  of  which  otherwise  they 
would  perhaps  have  ever  remained  ignorant. 

The  whole  service  calls  them  away  from  the  consider- 
ation of  earthly  things,  to  that  of  spiritual  and  eternal 
things.  It  restrains  the  criminal  indulgence  of  the  pas- 
sions, and  interrupts  the  current  of  wrorldly  and  sinful 
thoughts  and  plans.     It  has  reclaimed  many  a  profligate, 


68  FAMILY  RELIGION. 

rescued  from  destruction  many  a  devotee  to  fleshly  lusts, 
and  saved  to  society  and  to  the  church,  many  a  valuable 
and  useful  member.  It  has  bound  up  many  broken,  wid- 
owed hearts,  wiped  away  many  bitter  tears,  hushed  the 
tumult  of  many  distracted  bosoms,  and  lengthened  the 
lives,  and  increased  the  happiness  of  many  fond  and 
anxious  parents.  But  where  shall  we  end  the  enumera- 
tion of  its  delightful  results  ?  The  subject  expands  as  we 
meditate  upon  it ;  the  mind  is  lost  in  the  contemplation 
of  the  variety  of  its  effects,  and  of  the  importance  and 

magnitude  of  its  influence. 

■ 

SECTION  IV. 

Perhaps  the  reader  of  these  pages,  is  by  this  time,  if 
not  before,  convinced  of  the  great  importance  of  the 
duty  we  have  endeavoured  to  exhibit,  and  of  the  obliga- 
tion there  is  upon  him,  punctually  and  faithfully  to  dis- 
charge it.  But  there  may  arise  in  his  mind  particular 
difficulties,  which  hinder  him  from  following  the  dictates 
of  his  judgment  and  his  conscience.  If  the  mind  be 
thoroughly  persuaded  that  the  duty  of  family  religion  is 
of  as  great  moment  as  we  have  represented  it  to  be,  it 
will  be  difficult  to  satisfy  the  conscience  with  any  objec- 
tion, short  of  an  impossibility  to  perform  it.  Perhaps  the 
same  excuses,  if  urged  with  equal  plausibility,  in  extenua- 
tion of  neglect  in  matters  unconnected  with  religion, 
would  not  receive  a  moment's  countenance,  even  from 
those  who  justify  themselves  in  the  omission  of  the  duty 
in  question,  on  the  same  grounds.  Sometimes,  while 
justly  condemning  others,  we  at  the  same  time  uncon- 
sciously condemn  ourselves.  The  heart  being  "  deceitful 
above  all  things,"  we  may  not  be  surprised  that  "  All  the 
ways  of  a  man  are  clean  in  his  own  eyes."  Prov.  xvi.  2. 
"  Every  way  of  a  man  is  right  in  his  own  eyes."  Prov. 


FAMILY  RELIGION.  69 

xxi.  2.  Hence  we  find  that  men  are  apt  to  justify  their 
own  conduct,  and  condemn  that  of  another  as  inexcusa- 
ble, while  the  principle  involved  is  the  same  in  both,  and 
the  conduct  of  both  equally  sinful  in  the  sight  of  God, 
who  "  pondereth  the  heart." 

1.  The  first  objection  we  shall  notice,  is  the  want  of 
time,  properly  and  statedly  to  perform  this  duty. 

It  may  be  safely  taken  for  granted,  that  there  can  not 
be  conflicting  duties.  That  which  an  undoubted  duty 
renders  impossible  to  be  done,  can  not  itself  be  duty. 
This  would  suppose  derangement  in  the  government  and 
plans  of  God,  which  is  wholly  inadmissible.  If,  then,  fami- 
ly worship  be  an  obvious  duty,  we  can  not  be  warranted 
in  occupying  the  time  in  which  it  should  be  performed, 
in  doing  any  thing  else.  If  it  be  a  duty  at  all,  it  must 
also  be  a  duty  to  employ  some  time  in  performing  it,  and 
it  can  not  be  our  duty  to  employ  this  time  in  doing  some- 
thing else.  Whatever  we  do,  therefore,  when  we  should 
be  attending  to  family  devotion,  is  sinfully  done,  and  in 
direct  opposition  to  the  will  of  God ;  and  to  plead  the 
one  as  an  excuse  for  the  neglect  of  the  other,  is  to  j)lead 
one  sin  in  extenuation  of  another.  The  time  which 
should  be  employed  in  serving  God,  is  his  time,  and  not 
ours.  When  he  demands  a  service,  he  also  demands  the 
necessary  time  for  its  performance.  This  is  evident. 
Now  if  that  time  be  otherwise  employed,  it  is  withholding 
from  God  that  which  is  his  due.  It  is  robbing  God  of 
what  rightfully  belongs  to  him.  If  your  servant  should 
neglect  to  perform  the  service  for  which  you  have  bar- 
gained with  him,  and  plead  the  wrant  of  time  as  his  ex- 
cuse, what  would  be  your  reply  ?  Would  it  not  be — "  in 
bargaining  for  your  service,  I  bargained  for  all  the  time 
that  the  service  requires ;  and  to  appropriate  that  time 
to  your  own  or  other  purposes,  is  to  deprive  me  of  what 
is  my  legal  and  rightful  due !"     If  this  would  be  your  re 


70  FAMILY  RELIGION. 

ply,  as  I  apprehend  it  would  be,  then  you  have  furnished 
an  answer  to  your  own  objection.  On  what  ground  do 
you  presume  upon  success  in  any  business,  that  is  trans- 
acted at  the  expense  of  God's  rights  ?  Should  you  pros- 
per in  life,  notwithstanding  this  disregard  of  his  claim, 
may  you  not  justly  conclude  that  he  is  permitting  you  to 
fill  up  the  cup  of  your  iniquity,  and  that  he  has  deferred 
the  settlement  of  his  account  with  you,  to  the  day  of 
righteous  retribution?  May  not  your  success  in  worldly 
gain,  be  regarded  as  a  fearful  premonition  of  coming 
vengeance  ?  You  may  have,  as  many  others  have,  your 
portion  in  this  life.  What  an  awful  thought !  What  a  still 
more  awful  reality  ! ! 

If  the  business  in  which  you  are  engaged,  be  an  unlaw- 
ful calling,  how  greatly  aggravated  is  the  guilt  of  occu- 
pying God's  time  in  prosecuting  it!  Men,  generally,  are 
not  sufficiently  impressed  with  a  sense  of  their  entire 
dependence  on  God,  for  success  in  their  worldly  affairs. 
They  acknowledge  it  as  a  theoretic  truth,  but  are  not 
habitually  influenced  by  the  belief  of  it.  "  Except  God 
build  the  house,  they  labour  in  vain  that  build  it."  Ps. 
cxxvii.  1.  Men  are  also  slow  to  credit  that  important 
declaration  of  Scripture,  "  Godliness  is  profitable  unto  all 
things,  having  promise  of  the  life  that  now  is,  and  of  that 
which  is  to  come."  They  do  not  practically  believe  the 
promise  annexed  to  the  injunction,  "  seek  first  the  king- 
dom of  God  and  his  righteousness,  and  all  these  things 
shall  be  added  unto  you."  This  objection  is  not  unlike 
that  which  Judas  made  to  Mary's  anointing  the  head 
and  feet  of  Christ  with  precious  ointment.  He  thought  it 
might  be  otherwise  employed  to  greater  advantage.  But 
Christ  said,  "wheresoever  this  gospel  shall  be  preached 
in  the  whole  world,  there  shall  also  this,  that  this  woman 
hath  done,  be  told  for  a  memorial  of  her."  This  objec- 
tion asks,  "  to  what  purpose  is  this  waste"  of  time  ?  Judas, 


FAMILY  RELIGION.  71 

indeed,  in  making  the  objection,  professed  great  solicitude 
for  the  poor,  to  whose  relief  he  supposed  the  price  of  the 
ointment  might  be  more  piously  applied.  But  here  the 
objector  supposes  that  the  time  required  for  family  devo- 
tion, might  be  otherwise  employed  to  his  own  advantage; 
or  even  should  he  propose  to  employ  that  time  in  acts  of 
charity,  or  in  acquiring  means  of  benevolent  relief  to  the 
needy,  still  it  may  be  asked,  does  God  require  you  to  do 
good  by  neglecting  duty,  or  to  do  evil  that  good  may 
come  of  it  ?  Does  he  require  you  to  do  his  will  in  one 
respect,  by  disregarding  it  in  another?  Certainly  not. 
Let  the  objector  examine  carefully  and  prayerfully,  his 
own  heart,  and  he  will  find  that  the  difficulty  is  a  want 
of  disposition,  not  a  want  of  time. 

2.  Another  objection  sometimes  urged  against  the  dis- 
charge of  the  duty  of  family  worship,  is  incapacity  to 
lead  the  devotions  of  others.  But  even  if  this  difficulty 
really  exist,  is  it  insurmountable  1  Have  you  ever  labour- 
ed to  overcome  it?  Have  you  ever  ventured  to  make 
trial  of  your  capacity  in  this  respect? 

"Have  you  no  words? — Ah!  think  again  ; 
Words  flow  apace,  when  you  complain, 
And  fill  your  fellow-creature's  ear 
With  the  sad  tale  of  all  your  care. 

Were  half  the  breath  thus  vainly  spent, 
To  heaven  in  supplication  sent, 
Your  cheerful  songs  would  oft'ner  be, 
1  Hear  what  the  Lord  has  done  for  me.' " 

If  you  have  never  made  the  attempt,  you  can  not  de- 
cide upon  your  ability,  and  therefore  you  can  not  offer 
the  excuse  with  all  sincerity.  This  duty,  like  all  others, 
should  be  undertaken  in  the  strength  of  God,  and  not  in 
your  own ;  with  a  firm  reliance  upon  Divine  assistance, 
and  not  with  presumption  or  self-sufficiency.  In  your  at- 
tempt,  you    may   be   unexpectedly   assisted,   and   "the 


72  FAMILY  RELIGION. 

strength  of  God  be  perfected  in  your  weakness."  Until 
you  shall  have  made  a  fair  trial,  therefore,  you  can  not 
be  justified  in  your  neglect,  on  the  ground  of  incapacity. 
Where  the  spirit  of  prayer  is  granted,  the  gift  is  not 
usually  withheld ;  and  although  it  be  given  in  small  mea- 
sure, yet  by  practice  it  may  be  so  cultivated  as  to  be 
employed  to  the  edification  of  those  whom  you  are  called 
to  lead  to  a  throne  of  grace.  It  is  quite  certain  that  no 
improvement  in  tins  respect,  can  result  from  total  or 
habitual  neglect.  Where  no  effort  is  made  to  obviate  the 
difficulty,  we  can  not  expect  that  it  will  be  obviated  by  a 
miracle.  If,  however,  after  an  honest  and  persevering 
endeavour  to  conduct  the  worship  of  your  family,  you 
should  be  persuaded  that  your  efforts  to  do  so  with  ad- 
vantage, are  unavailing,  still  you  are  not  left  to  the  sad 
alternative  of  neglecting  the  duty.  There  are  admirable 
forms  of  family  prayer,  in  print,  and  accessible  even  by 
those  of  the  most  restricted  means.  Such  forms  may  be 
used,  where  there  is  evident  incapacity  for  extempora- 
neous prayer,  with  perfect  propriety  and  great  advantage. 
Those  inserted  in  this  book  are  designed,  not  as  perma- 
nent substitutes  for  extemporaneous  prayer,  but  as  aids 
which  may  be  used,  till  practice  shall  have  enabled  you 
to  do  without  them. 

Those  who  would  rather  live  in  the  neglect  of  this  duty, 
than  avail  themselves  of  such  useful  helps,  plainly  show 
that  the  difficulty  with  them,  is  not  a  want  of  capacity, 
but  a  want  of  disposition. 

3.  Another  difficulty  which  some  profess  to  feel,  is  a 
want  of  confidence  and  moral  courage.  They  are  ashamed 
to  introduce  into  their  families,  a  service  so  religious  in  its 
character,  and  one  which  both  implies  and  requires  so 
much  attention  and  concern  in  serious  matters.  I  have 
no  doubt  that  this  objection  is  often  honestly  made.  This, 
moreover,  is  sometimes  the  real  difficulty,  while  others 


FAMILY  RELIGION.  73 

are  professed.  But  while  we  admire  the  honesty  of  the 
confession,  we  can  by  no  means  approve  the  state  of 
heart  which  it  discovers.  It  exhibits  the  fear  of  man  as 
predominant  over  the  fear  of  God.  It  is  not  the  wrath 
of  man,  that  is  at  all  times  most  dreaded  :  for  his  ridicule 
and  scorn  have  often  more  influence  than  his  threaten- 
ings.  And  many  permit  themselves  to  be  laughed  out. 
of  their  most  precious  interests,  even  the  salvation  of 
their  souls.  Both  their  interest  and  duty  give  way  before 
the  pointed  finger  of  scorn,  the  taunts  and  jeers  of  scoff- 
ers, and  the  curled  lip  of  the  contemptuous.  This  always 
manifests  a  great  weakness  of  moral  principle,  and  little 
or  no  sense  of  religious  obligation.  Such  appear  not  to 
know,  or  to  forget,  that  "  He  that  sitteth  in  the  heavens 
shall  laugh ;  the  Lord  shall  have  them  in  derision,"  Ps. 
ii.  4.  "  I  also  will  laugh  at  your  calamity ;  I  will  mock 
when  your  fear  cometh,"  Prov.  i.  26. 

What  blindness,  what  depravity,  what  contempt  of  the 
Most  High,  does  it  discover,  when  men  are  ashamed  of 
God  and  of  his  service ! 

"  Jesus !  and  shall  it  ever  be, 
A  mortal  man  ashamed  of  thee ! 
Ashamed  of  thee,  whom  angels  praise, 
Whose  glories  shine  thro*  endless  days. 

Ashamed  of  Jesus !  yes,  I  may — 
When  I've  no  guilt  to  wash  away — 
No  tear  to  wipe — no  good  to  crave — 
No  fear  to  quell — no  soul  to  save." 

"  No !  let  the  world  cast  out  my  name 

And  vile  account  me  if  they  will ; 
If  to  confess  the  Lord  be  shame, 

I  purpose  to  be  viler  still." 

•'Whosoever  shall  be  ashamed  of  me,"  says  Christ, 
"  and  of  my  words,  in  this  adulterous  and  sinful  genera- 
tion, of  him  also  shall  the  Son  of  Man  be  ashamed,  when 

7 


74  FAMILY  RELIGION. 

he  cometh  in  the  glory  of  his  Father,  with  the  holy 
angels,"  Mark,  viii.  38.  Christ  is  not  ashamed  to  call 
his  followers  brethren,  nor  is  God  ashamed  to  be  called 
their  God.  Heb.  ii.  11,  xi.  16.  But  "  let  them  be  ashamed 
that  transgress  without  cause,"  Ps.  xxv.  3. 

If  you  be  ashamed  to  perform  this  duty,  perhaps  God 
has  determined  that  this  particular  service  shall  be  the 
touchstone,  by  which  your  love  and  faith  shall  be  tried 
and  determined.  Pause  and  consider,  then,  before  you 
longer  neglect  the  duty  on  this  ground. 

4.  It  may  happen  that  a  female,  who  is  the  sole  head 
of  a  family,  will  object  to  the  observance  of  family  wor- 
ship on  that  account.  But  if  the  providence  of  God  has 
cast  her  lot  in  circumstances  which  devolve  this  duty 
naturally  on  her,  she  is  unquestionably  bound  to  perform 
it.  If  God  has  placed  you  at  the  head  of  a  family,  he 
has  not  relieved  you  from  the  duties  which  belong  to  that 
station.  The  injunction  to  bring  up  your  children  in  the 
nurture  and  admonition  of  the  Lord,  is  to  parents,  both 
male  and  female. 

5.  Where  the  wife  is  disposed  to  the  service,  but  the 
husband  is  unwilling,  ihere  both  a  duty  and  a  trial  are 
imposed  upon  her.  They  -should  not  "fall  out  by  the 
way,"  for  "  the  wrath  of  man  worketh  not  the  righteous- 
ness of  God."  "  For  God  hath  called  us  to  peace."  But 
she  should  endeavour  to  win  over  her  husband  to  the 
path  of  duty,  by  reasoning  with  him,  in  kindness  and  af- 
fection. And  if  he  will  not  be  won,  she  may  retire  with 
her  children  and  servants,  in  a  way  the  most  inoffensive 
to  her  partner,  and  there  lead  them  in  prayer  to  God,  in 
behalf  of  the  whole  family.     *  For  what  knowest  thou, 

0  wife,  whether  thou  shalt  save  thy  husband  ?  or  how 
knowest  thou,  O  man,  whether  thou  shalt  save  thy  wife." 

1  Cor.  vii.  16. 

If  you  have  resolved  like  Joshua,  that  as  for  you  and 


FAMILY  RELIGION.  75 

your  house,  you  will  serve  the  Lord,  never  omit  this 
duty,  if  it  can  possibly  be  performed.  Frequent,  and 
even  occasional  omissions  weaken  the  sense  of  obliga- 
tion, and  prepare  the  way  for  habitual  neglect.  "Be  in- 
stant in  season,  and  out  of  season."  If  visitors  should 
lodge  under  your  roof,  let  not  their  presence  deter  you 
from  duty,  nor  interfere  with  the  religious  customs  of 
your  house.  This  would  impose  a  restraint  upon  them, 
if  they  knew  it;  and  would  imply  one  of  two  things, 
either  that  you  were  glad  of  an  opportunity  to  omit  the 
duty,  or  that  their  presence  was  in  some  degree  unwel- 
come, as  it  deprives  you  of  a  valuable  privilege.  But 
those  who  enjoy  your  hospitality,  surely  would  not  object 
to  your  enjoyment  of  your  religion.  Nay,  it  would  leave 
on  their  minds  an  unfavourable  impression,  in  regard  to 
your  piety,  and  your  sense  of  religious  obligation.  Even 
should  they  be  secretly  indisposed  to  the  service,  they 
will  expect  better  things  of  you,  and  naturally  look  for 
consistency  of  character  and  conduct.  But  this  is  not 
all :  the  service  may  be  blessed  to  their  salvation.  The 
reading  of  the  Scriptures,  and  the  prayer  you  offer,  may 
become,  by  the  grace  of  the  Holy  Spirit,  effectual  to 
their  regeneration.  And  those  who  come  to  your  house, 
strangers  to  God,  and  without  Christ,  may  leave  it  re- 
joicing in  the  hope  of  eternal  life,  or  at  least  with  such 
impressions,  as  may  ripen  into  true  godliness.  While, 
therefore,  you  will  lose  much  by  omitting  the  duty,  you 
may  gain  much,  even  an  immortal  soul,  by  faithfully  per- 
forming it. 

The  reader  may  infer  from  this  whole  subject,  the  vast 
importance,  and  indispensable  necessity  of  true*  piety'  in 
the  heads  of  families :  not  only  for  the  sake  of  their  own 
salvation,  but  of  those  committed  to  their  care.  For  it 
may  be  generally  said  of  parents,  as  it  was  of  Achan,  if 
they  perish,  they  perish  not  alone. 


76  FAMILY  RELIGION. 

In  the  view  of  that  great  responsibility  which  rests 
upon  parents,  and  of  the  variety,  and  peculiar  nature  of 
the  duties  devolving  upon  them,  how  essential  is  the 
grace  of  God  properly  to  meet,  and  faithfully  to  discharge 
them !  Unless  the  importance  of  religion  be  duly  appre- 
ciated, and  sensibly  felt  by  the  head  of  the  family,  he  will 
not  urge  it  upon  his  children  and  servants,  with  that  earn- 
estness and  importunity  which  the  case  demands.  And 
the  necessity  of  an  interest  in  Christ,  will  not  be  pressed 
with  that  unwearied  diligence,  with  that  heartfelt  solici- 
tude, and  prayful  affection,  which  are  so  necessary  to 
success.  Let  parents  lay  these  things  to  heart ;  and  may 
they  and  theirs  be  saved  in  the  day  of  the  Lord  Jesus ! 


A  SELECTION 

OF 

FAMILY    PRAYERS 


FIRST   WEEK. 

SUNDAY  MORNING.  Swete. 

O  Merciful  Lord,  from  whom  alone  every  good  and 
perfect  gift  cometh,  pour  upon  us,  we  humbly  beseech  thee, 
the  Spirit  of  thy  grace,  that  we  may  approach  thy  mer- 
cy-seat through  our  Divine  Redeemer,  and  make  known 
our  requests  unto  thee,  by  prayer,  and  supplication  with 
thanksgiving. 

We  praise  thee  for  the  great  encouragement  which 
thou  hast  given  us,  to  worship,  and  fall  down,  and  kneel 
before  the  Lord  our  Maker.  We  confess  that  we  have 
erred  and  strayed  from  thy  ways  like  lost  sheep,  and  are 
unworthy  to  come  into  thy  presence ;  but  we  would  draw 
near  unto  thee,  because  thou  hast  graciously  opened  to 
us  a  door  of  access  through  faith  in  Jesus  Christ,  our  Sa- 
viour, and  hast  revealed  thyself  as  our  merciful  Father 
in  him.  We  bless  thee,  that  through  him  thou  hast  sent 
a  full,  free,  and  everlasting  redemption ;  that  thou  hast 
commanded  thy  covenant  for  ever,  and  sealed  it  with  his 
atoning  blood, — and  that  in  thy  blessed  Gospel  thou  dost 
promise  pardon  and  peace  to  all  those  who  believe  in  his 
name.  O  Lord,  we  believe,  help  thou  our  unbelief. — En- 
able us  by  faith  to  look  unto  Jesus  as  the  Lord  our  Right- 
eousness, and  to  receive  out  of  his  fulness,  grace  to  sup- 
ply our  wants,  to  conform  our  souls  to  his  divine  image, 
and  to  enrich  us  with  all  the  blessings  of  his  salvation. 

7* 


78  FAMILY  RELIGION 

Blessed  Lord,  we  adore  thy  name  for  having  appointed 
this  day  to  be  kept  holy,  for  this  is  the  day  of  sacred  rest 
which  Thou  hast  made, — this  is  the  Sabbath,  the  holy  of 
the  Lord  ;  which,  in  thine  infinite  wisdom  and  goodness, 
thou  hast  consecrated  to  thyself,  as  a  memorial  of  the  ac- 
complishment of  the  works  of  creation,  and  of  the  still 
more  glorious  work  of  redemption. 

Alas !  too  often  have  we  abused  and  profaned  thy  Sab- 
baths, wasting  them  in  the  pursuit  of  the  unsatisfying 
pleasures  of  this  world. — Too  often  have  we  rushed  into 
the  courts  of  thy  sanctuary  without  consideration,  or 
without  any  desire  to  worship  thee  in  spirit  and  in  truth : 
— Yea,  too  often  have  we  put  on  the  mask  of  hypocrisy, 
approaching  thee  with  our  lips,  whilst  our  hearts  were 
unhumbled  and  unclean  in  thy  sight.  But,  O  thou  Lord 
of  the  Sabbath,  look  on  us  now  in  mercy.  Pardon  this, 
as  well  as  all  our  other  multiplied  offences  against  thee ; 
and  give  us  grace  from  henceforth  to  glorify  thee  by  the 
sanctification  of  thy  Sabbaths,  not  only  outwardly  in  our 
actions,  but  inwardly  in  our  thoughts  and  affections,  that 
we  may  find  them,  as  they  were  designed  to  be,  delight- 
ful foretastes  of  the  eternal  rest  prepared  for  all  thy  ran- 
somed people. 

Gracious  God,  meet  and  bless  us  in  all  our  religious  ser- 
vices this  day,  and  whether  we  are  engaged  in  secret,  in 
family,  or  in  public  worship,  impart  to  us  a  holy  solem- 
nity of  mind.  But  especially  when  we  enter  into  the 
courts  of  thy  sanctuary,  impress  our  minds  with  an  aw- 
ful sense  of  thine  exalted  majesty  and  glory,  and  help  us 
in  every  part  of  the  services  of  this  day,  to  realize  thy 
gracious  presence.  Check  every  vain  and  wandering 
thought,  and  deliver  us  from  that  coldness  and  formality 
with  which  we  are  so  often  oppressed.  Prepare  our 
hearts,  O  Lord,  to  receive  thy  Gospel,  and  make  us  joy- 
ful with  fresh  discoveries  of  the  grace  and  truth  that  are 


FAMILY  PRAYER.  79 

in  Jesus  Christ.  May  thy  word  be  profitable,  being  mix- 
ed with  faith  in  us,  and  may  it  be  as  good  seed,  bringing 
forth  the  fruits  of  righteousness  and  true  holiness  to  thy 
honour  and  glory. 

*[Blessed  Lord,  let  thy  gracious  presence  be  especially 
with  those  of  us  who  shall  attend  thy  table  this  day.  Help 
us  in  that  sacred  ordinance  to  commemorate  thy  dying 
love.  Kindle  within  us  genuine  repentance,  lively  faith, 
and  fervent  charity ;  and  though  we  are  unworthy  to 
gather  up  the  crumbs  that  fall  from  thy  table,  yet,  rely- 
ing on  thine  exceeding  great  and  precious  promises,  may 
we  approach  thee  in  the  character  of  thy  children,  and 
"  feed  upon  thee  in  our  hearts  by  faith  with  thanksgiv- 
ing." And  while  we  are  refreshed  with  these  pledges  of 
thy  love,  O  enable  us  cheerfully  to  yield  up  ourselves  to 
thy  service ;  and  to  glorify  thee  with  our  bodies,  and  our 
spirits  which  are  thine.] 

O  God  of  the  spirits  of  all  flesh,  we  beseech  thee  to 
bless  all  that  wait  upon  thee  in  thy  house  this  day,  and 
adapt  thy  mercies  to  their  several  wants.  Clothe  thy 
word  with  power,  and  make  it  effectual  to  the  subduing 
of  many  hearts  to  the  obedience  of  Christ.  Awaken  the 
careless, — humble  the  proud, — comfort  the  afflicted, — 
strengthen  the  weak, — give  to  them  that  mourn  in  Zion, 
beauty  for  ashes,  the  oil  of  joy  for  mourning,  and  the  gar- 
ment of  praise  for  the  spirit  of  heaviness. 

Bless  all  thy  ministering  servants,  and  especially  those 
who  labour  amongst,  us  in  the  word  and  doctrines  which 
thou  hast  revealed  for  our  instruction.  May  they  go 
forth  in  the  fulness  of  the  blessing  of  the  Gospel  of  peace ; 
and,  being  sensible  of  the  important  charge  committed  to 
them,  may  they  be  instant  in  season,  and  out  of  season, 

*  This  paragraph  should  only  be  read  when  any  of  the  family  in- 
tend to  receive  the  Sacrament  of  the  Lord's  Supper. 


80  FAMILY  RELIGION. 

showing  the  people  their  transgressions,  and  making 
known  the  mystery  of  the  glorious  Gospel  of  God  our  Sa- 
viour.— O  let  thine  almighty  power  be  manifested,  and 
let  thy  truth  have  free  course  and  be  glorified. 

Accept  these  our  prayers  and  supplications,  we  humbly 
beseech  thee,  through  Jesus  Christ  our  Mediator  and  Ad- 
vocate, to  whom  writh  thee,  O  Heavenly  Father,  and  thee, 
O  Eternal  Spirit,  the  Comforter  and  Sanctifier  of  the 
Church  of  God,  we  desire  to  unite  with  angels,  and  the 
spirits  of  just  men  made  perfect,  in  ascribing  all  might, 
majesty  and  praise,  for  ever  and  ever.     Amen. 

SUNDAY  EVENING.  Swete 

Holy,  holy,  holy,  Lord  God  Almighty,  who  humblest 
thyself  to  listen  to  the  adorations  of  the  heavenly  hosts 
above ;  how  great  is  thy  condescension  in  regarding  the 
feeble  thanksgivings  and  supplications  of  sinful  mortals ! 
But  thy  ways  are  not  as  our  ways,  neither  are  thy  thoughts 
as  our  thoughts.  Thou  hast,  of  thine  infinite  goodness, 
made  known  unto  us  the  mysteries  of  thy  grace.  Thou 
hast  revealed  thyself  as  delighting  in  mercy,  and  being 
glorified  in  the  salvation  of  sinners  through  Jesus  Christ 
our  Lord.  Enable  us  to  take  shelter  in  this  thine  ap 
pointed  refuge ;  and  finding  pardon  and  acceptance  with 
thee,  may  our  evening  sacrifice  of  prayer  and  praise 
ascend  up  before  thee,  perfumed  with  the  incense  of  his 
merits,  and  be  heard,  accepted,  and  answered  by  thee. 

We  bless  thy  name  for  having  placed  our  dwelling 
where  the  bright  beams  of  thy  glorious  gospel  shine  forth, 
— and  for  the  many  seasons  and  means  of  grace  which 
thou  hast  afforded  us, — and  especially  for  the  opportuni- 
ties we  have  enjoyed  this  day  of  waiting  upon  thee  in  the 
ordinances  of  thine  own  appointment.  But.  alas!  O  Lord, 
the  review  of  even  this  day  fills  us  with  shame  and  con- 


FAMILY  PRAYER.  81 

fusion  of  face ;  for  what  coldness  of  affection,  what  wan- 
dering of  thought,  what  want  of  reverence,  of  love,  and 
of  gratitude,  have  we  betrayed  in  all  our  religious  ser- 
vices !  Surely,  we  are  altogether  unprofitable  servants. 

But  we  desire  now  to  cast  ourselves  at  thy  footstool, 
beseeching  thee,  O  Lord,  for  Christ's  sake,  to  pardon  all 
our  iniquity,  yea  the  iniquity  of  our  holy  things.  Wash 
us  in  the  fountain  of  his  atoning  blood, — clothe  us  with 
the  robe  of  his  justifying  righteousness, — and  sanctify  our 
hearts  by  the  purifying  grace  of  his  Spirit.  O  shine  upon 
us,  and  give  us  clearer  views  of  the  truth  as  it  is  in  Jesus. 
And  may  it  influence  our  tempers  and  dispositions,  our 
life  and  conduct,  that  in  all  things  we  may  adorn  the 
doctrine  of  God  our  Saviour. 

Gracious  God,  let  not  the  word  of  thy  truth  which  we 
have  heard  this  day  with  our  outward  ears,  return  unto 
thee  void.  Enlighten  our  understandings,  and  open  our 
hearts  to  receive  it  in  love  and  in  power. 

Grant  that  we  may  not  only  "  read  and  mark"  but  also 
"  learn  and  inwardly  digest"  those  Holy  Scriptures  which 
are  able  to  make  us  wise  unto  salvation,  through  faith 
which  is  in  Christ  Jesus.  O  Lord,  bless  us  with  all 
spiritual  blessings  in  Christ  Jesus.  Make  known  unto  us 
his  power  and  glory,  and  may  we  find  in  Him  all  our 
fresh  springs  of  grace  and  strength,  of  consolation  and 

joy- 
Blessed  Lord,  hear  the  prayers  which  have  been  of- 
fered up  this  day  for  all  sorts  and  conditions  of  men.  To 
thee  the  secrets  of  their  hearts  are  open,  and  thou  know- 
est  their  several  characters  and  wants;  strengthen  the 
weak, — comfort  the  afflicted, — instruct  the  ignorant, — 
take  away  the  heart  of  stone, — and  cause  the  impenitent 
sinner  to  cry  for  mercy.  Inspire  continually  thy  univer- 
sal church  with  the  spirit  of  truth,  unity,  and  concord. 
Bless  the  labours  of  thy  ministering  servants.     May  the 


82  FAMILY  RELIGION. 

seed  which  they  have  sown,  bring  forth  fruit  to  the  praise 
and  glory  of  thy  grace.  And  O  let  thy  ways  be  known 
upon  earth,  thy  saving  health  among  all  nations ;  let  both 
Jews  and  Gentiles  be  gathered  into  the  Redeemer's  king- 
dom, and  let  every  one  that  nameth  the  name  of  Christ 
depart  from  all  iniquity. 

We  now  commit  ourselves  into  thy  care  and  fatherly 
protection.  Watch  over  us  during  the  dark  and  silent 
hours  of  the  night,  and  refresh  our  wearied  bodies  with 
sleep  ;  and  if  it  be  consistent  with  thy  good  pleasure,  raise 
us  up  in  health  and  safety  to  enjoy  the  light  of  another  day. 
O  Lord,  establish  thy  kingdom  of  righteousness,  peace, 
and  joy  in  the  Holy  Ghost,  within  our  hearts.  Water 
our  souls  w7ith  the  dew  of  thy  blessing,  that  wre  may 
grow  in  the  grace  of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  and  be  en- 
abled to  hold  the  beginning  of  our  confidence  steadfast  to 
the  end. 

Blessed  be  the  Lord  our  God,  the  God  of  Israel,  who 
only  doeth  wondrous  things :  and  blessed  be  thy  glorious 
name  for  ever,  and  let  the  whole  earth  be  filled  wTith  thy 
glory.     Amen,  and  Amen. 

MONDAY  MORNING.  Swete. 

O  Almighty  and  most  merciful  God,  thou  art  tho  inex- 
haustible fountain  of  wisdom,  of  truth,  and  of  mercy ! 
Grant  us  thy  Holy  Spirit,  that  wTe  may  draw  nigh  unto 
thee,  through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord,  and  praise  our  God 
while  we  have  our  being. 

It  is  a  good  thing  to  give  thanks  unto  the  Lord,  and  to 
sing  praises  unto  thy  name,  O  most  High :  to  show  forth 
thy  loving  kindness  in  the  morning,  and  thy  faithfulness 
every  night.  Day  after  day  presents  fresh  instances  of  thy 
tender  compassion  towards  us.  We  have  been  protected 
by  thee  during  the  last  night;  we  have  been  refreshed 


FAMILY  PRAYER.  83 

with  comfortable  sleep,  and  are  now  permitted,  with  the 
renewed  gift  of  life,  and  health,  to  behold  the  light  of  an- 
other morning  sun,  and  to  spread  before  thy  mercy-seat 
all  our  wants  and  desires.  Bless  the  Lord,  O  our  souls, 
and  all  that  is  within  bless  his  holy  name ! 

But  how  should  we  venture  into  thy  awful  presence, 
and  take  thy  sacred  name  upon  our  lips !  We  are  guilty, 
corrupt,  and  helpless  creatures.  Our  souls  cleave  unto 
the  dust,  and  even  our  secret  sins  which  are  unknown  to 
others,  and  which  our  own  deceitful  hearts  excuse  or 
make  light  of,  are  all  seen  by  thee,  and  expose  us  to  thy 
anger  and  condemnation.  But  for  ever  adored  be  thy 
name !  Mercy  rejoiceth  against  judgment,  and  through 
the  atoning  sacrifice  and  perfect  righteousness  of  the 
Lord  Jesus  Christ,  thou  art  reconciled  to  all  who  come 
unto  thee  in  this  thy  appointed  way !  There  is  redemp- 
tion through  his  blood,  even  the  forgiveness  of  sins,  ac- 
cording to  the  riches  of  thy  grace. 

O  Lord,  enable  us  to  flee  for  refuge  to  this  hope  that  is 
set  before  us  in  Christ  Jesus ;  help  us  to  feel  our  need  of 
him,  and  to  discern  the  all-sufficiency  of  his  salvation 
And  as  thou  hast,  with  thy  holy  arm,  exalted  thy  beloved 
Son  to  be  a  Prince  and  a  Saviour,  to  give  repentance 
and  forgiveness  of  sins,  we  would  implore  from  his  grace 
that  repentance  which  is  not  to  be  repented  of — that  true 
conviction  of  sin — that  genuine  sorrow  and  contrition  of 
heart,  which  proceed  from  a  sense  of  redeeming  love — 
and  that  pardon  which  he  bestows,  that  we  may  forsake 
sin,  and  every  thing  that  is  contrary  to  thy  holy  word. 
O  give  us  broken  and  contrite  hearts,  and  come  and  dwell 
in  us,  according  to  thy  promise.  Though  we  have  been 
afar  off  from  thee,  our  God,  yet  we  wrould  draw  nigh  to 
thee  by  the  blood  of  Christ.  May  we  no  longer  be  stran- 
gers and  foreigners,  but  fellow-citizens  with  the  saints  and 
with  the  household  of  God.     Arm  us  with  the  armour  of 


8*  FAMILY  RELIGION. 

righteousness  on  the  right  hand,  and  on  the  left.  Enable 
us  to  fight  the  good  fight  of  faith,  to  resist  all  our  spirit- 
ual enemies,  to  overcome  our  numerous  temptations,  to 
mortify  our  sinful  habits,  and  to  abound  in  all  the  graces 
of  the  Christian  life. 

We  now  commend  to  thy  protection  and  mercy,  our 
dear  relatives  and  friends.  May  thy  grace  and  peace  be 
with  them.  Bless  all  who  love  the  Lord  Jesus  in  sincerity. 
Strengthen  the  weak  in  faith.  Comfort  the  afflicted  in 
body  or  mind.  Enable  them  to  look  unto  Him  who  bore 
their  griefs,  and  carried  their  sorrows.  Bring  home  to 
thy  fold  such  as  still  wander  from  thy  ways,  that  they 
rnay  attend  to  the  things  which  belong  to  their  peace,  be- 
fore they  be  for  ever  hidden  from  their  eyes.  Bless  the 
ministers  of  thy  everlasting  Gospel.  Make  them  zealous 
for  thy  glory,  and  the  happy  instruments  of  turning  many 
to  righteousness.  Bless  the  President  of  the  United  States, 
and  all  inferior  magistrates  whom  thy  providence  has  set 
over  us.  Direct  all  their  measures  to  the  maintenance 
of  peace,  the  furtherance  of  divine  truth,  and  the  advance- 
ment of  the  Redeemer's  glory,  both  at  home  and  among 
the  nations-  of  the  earth.  And  O  enlarge  and  purify  thy 
Church  throughout  all  its  borders.  May  false  religion, 
superstition,  and  self-righteousness,  perish  at  thy  feet,  and 
may  the  knowledge  of  the  Lord  cover  the  earth  as  the 
waters  cover  the  sea. 

Accept  in  mercy,  O  Heavenly  Father,  these  our  sup- 
plications and  prayers.  Send  down  an  answer  of  peace, 
and  do  for  us  exceeding  abundantly  above  all  that  we 
can  ask  or  think,  through  Jesus  Christ,  our  High  Priest 
and  Advocate, — to  whom  with  thee,  O  Heavenly  Father, 
and  thee,  O  Eternal  Spirit,  one  GOD  in  three  Persons, 
the  God  of  our  salvation,  be  glory  and  honour  from  all 
creatures  in  heaven  and  on  earth,  now  and  for  evermore. 
Amen. 


FAMILY  PRAYER.  85 


MONDAY  EVENING.  Swete. 


O  thou  infinitely  glorious  and  merciful  Lord  God,  thou 
art  worthy  to  receive  glory,  honour,  and  power  from  all 
thy  creatures,  for  thou  hast  created  all  things,  and  for  thy 
pleasure  they  are,  and  were  created.  We  would  close 
this  day  with  the  solemn  acts  of  self-abasement  and  hu- 
miliation of  soul,  which  our  great  sinfulness  requires. 

O  Lord,  when  we  examine  into  our  own  hearts  and 
lives,  how  ill  do  we  appear  to  requite  thy  love !  Alas ! 
the  crown  is  indeed  fallen  from  our  heads,  for  we  are 
sinners  both  by  nature  and  by  practice.  We  have  erred, 
and  strayed  from  thy  ways  like  lost  sheep,  and  have  pre- 
ferred the  vanities  and  follies  of  this  transitory  world,  to 
thy  favour.  Yea,  even  since  the  blessings  of  salvation, 
through  our  crucified  Redeemer,  have  been  set  before  us, 
how  often  have  we  made  light  of  them,  and  given  way 
to  an  evil  heart  of  unbelief! — how  often  have  we  abused 
the  mercy  which  we  still  implore,  and  forsaken  the  foun- 
tain of  living  waters,  in  order  to  seek  happiness  from  the 
broken  cisterns  of  earthly  enjoyments  and  possessions  ! 

Surely  it  is  of  thy  mercies  that  we  are  not  consumed, 
because  thy  compassions  fail  not !  Thou  art  still  the  un- 
changeable God,  the  same  yesterday,  to-day,  and  for  ever. 
Thou  hast  set  no  bounds  to  thy  mercy,  but  dost  magnify 
the  freeness  and  fulness  of  thy  grace,  by  never  rejecting 
the  contrite  sighs,  nor  denying  the  humble  requests  of  those 
who  call  upon  thee  through  the  merits  of  thy  dear  Son. — 
O  Lord,  for  his  sake,  we  again  implore  thy  pardoning 
grace.  Thou  knowest  onr  iniquities,  for  they  are  not  hid 
from  thee.  Remember  them  not  against  us,  but  accord- 
ing to  thy  mercy  in  Christ  Jesus,  remember  thou  us,  O 
Lord.  Wash  away  our  guilt  in  the  fountain  that  is  open- 
ed in  his  precious  blood.     Cover  us  with  the  robe  of  his 

8 


86  FAMILY  RELIGION. 

justifying  righteousness,  and  sanctify  us  by  the  purifying 
influences  of  his  holy  spirit.  So  that  being  washed,  and 
justified,  and  sanctified  in  the  name  of  the  Lord  Jesus, 
and  by  the  Spirit  of  our  God,  we  may  have  comfortable 
evidence  that  thou  hast  adopted  us  into  thy  family,  and 
bestowed  upon  us  the  glorious  privileges  of  thy  children. 

Gracious  God !  we  have  from  sad  experience,  great 
cause  to  lament  our  departure  from  thee,  and  our  insuf- 
ficiency to  help  ourselves.  We  require  thy  support,  and 
thy  guidance  in  all  time  of  our  wealth  and  prosperity,  as 
well  as  in  every  hour  of  sorrow  and  temptation.  Leave 
us  not  to  our  own  deceitful  hearts.  Quicken  our  souls 
which  cleave  to  the  dust.  Renew  them  after  thine  own 
image.  And  may  thy  glory  be  the  great  object  and  aim 
of  our  souls.  O  that  we  may  be  kept  in  holy  communion 
and  fellowship  with  thee,  and  have  some  foretaste  of  that 
blessedness  which  is  to  be  enjoyed  hereafter  around  the 
throne  of  the  Lamb. 

Into  thy  hands,  O  Heavenly  Father,  we  now  commend 
ourselves,  and  all  our  personal  and  relative  interests  this 
night.  Thou  art  the  keeper  of  Israel,  who  neither  slum- 
berest  nor  sleepest.  May  we  lay  ourselves  down  in  peace 
and  take  our  rest,  remembering  that  it  is  thou  alone  that 
makest  us  to  dwell  in  safety.  And  should  we  be  in  mercy 
permitted  to  see  another  day,  may  we  grow  in  the  grace, 
and  in  the  knowledge  of  our  Lord  and  Saviour  Jesus 
Christ.  Every  mercy  we  ask  for  his  sake,  who,  in  com- 
passion to  our  infirmities,  hath  taught  us  thus  to  pray, 
Our  Father  which  art  in  heaven,  fyc. 

TUESDAY  MORNING.  Sicete. 

Most  holy,  blessed,  and  glorious  Lord  God,  in  wrhom 
we  live,  and  move,  and  have  our  being !  How  great  is 
thy  condescension  and  grace,  that  thou   shouldst  look 


FAMILY  PRAYER.  87 

down  with  loving  kindness  and  compassion  upon  the  chil- 
dren of  men,  and  shouldst  even  deign  to  dwell  with  those 
who  are  of  an  humble  and  contrite  spirit.  O  God,  enable 
us  to  approach  thee  with  unfeigned  humility  and  contri- 
tion of  heart, — truly  sensible  of  our  weakness  and  insuffi- 
ciency,— and  pleading  the  atoning  sacrifice  of  the  Lord 
Jesus  Christ,  which  alone  can  speak  mercy,  pardon,  and 
peace  to  our  guilty  souls. 

O  Lord,  thou  knowest  our  wants  and  our  miseries.  We 
can  do  nothing  good  of  ourselves,  nor  can  we  sufficiently 
lament  the  corruption  that  fills  our  hearts.  Show  us  thy 
mercy,  O  Lord,  and  grant  us  thy  salvation.  Turn  us, 
and  so  shall  we  be  turned.  Draw  our  hearts  with  the 
cords  of  thy  love,  and  then  we  shall  run  after  thee.  Ex- 
hibit before  us  the  grace  and  glory  which  are  in  the  Lord 
Jesus  Christ,  and  are  communicated  through  him  to  all 
that  believe  on  his  name.  O  grant  that,  confiding  in  him 
as  the  Lord  our  righteousness,  we  may  find  real  peace 
and  joy  of  soul,  even  that  joy  which  is  unspeakable  and 
full  of  ^lory. 

And  as  by  the  sacrifice  of  thy  beloved  Son  on  the  cross, 
thou  hast  manifested  thine  utter  hatred  of  sin,  and  thy 
love  of  holiness,  help  us,  O  God  of  our  salvation,  to  ab- 
hor that  which  is  evil,  and  to  cleave  to  that  which  is  good. 
Subdue  every  rebellious  thought  that  is  within  us.  Mortify 
every  sinful  inclination.  Shed  abroad  in  our  hearts  the 
love  of  Clirist,  by  the  Holy  Ghost  being  given  unto  us, 
and  clothe  us  with  the  spirit  of  humility,  love,  and  self- 
denial.  Suffer  us  not,  O  Lord,  to  set  our  affections  inor- 
dinately upon  any  created  good.  May  we  always  recol- 
lect that  every  earthly  enjoyment  is  transitory  and  unsat- 
isfying,— that  this  is  not  our  place  of  rest, — and  that  we 
are  seeking  a  city  which  is  eternal  in  the  heavens,  whose 
builder  and  maker  is  God ; — and  having  our  hope  fixed 


88  FAMILY  RELIGION. 

on  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  may  we  purify  ourselves  even 
as  thou  art  pure. 

O  God  of  the  spirits  of  all  flesh,  hear  our  prayers  in 
behalf  of  all  sorts  and  conditions  of  men.  Endue  those 
whom  thy  providence  has  set  over  us,  with  the  grace  of 
thy  Holy  Spirit,  that  they  may  always  incline  to  thy  will, 
and  walk  in  thy  way.  Take  under  thy  fatherly  care,  all 
who  are  afflicted  in  mind,  body,  or  estate.  In  the  painful 
visitations  of  thy  providence,  may  they  hear  thy  still  small 
voice  of  love  and  mercy,  speaking  peace  to  their  souls, 
and  leading  them  to  the  consideration  of  those  things  that 
belong  to  their  everlasting  peace. 

O  thou  great  head  of  the  Church,  enlarge  the  borders 
of  thy  kingdom.  Make  thy  ways  known  upon  earth,  thy 
saving  health  among  all  nations.  Be  gracious  to  thy  peo- 
ple Israel.  Cause  them  to  look  to  Him  whom  their  fathers 
have  pierced,  and  to  mourn  with  godly  sorrow.  Hasten 
the  time  when  heathen  abominations  shall  cease,  and  when 
the  fulness  of  the  Gentiles  shall  be  brought  in.  Especially 
vouchsafe  thy  presence  with  that  part  of  the  Church  of 
Christ  which  has  been  planted  in  this  country.  Watei 
it  with  the  dew  of  thy  blessing,  that  those  who  bear  thy 
name,  may  not  be  unfruitful  in  the  knowledge  of  our  Lord 
and  Saviour  Jesus  Christ.  Enable  thy  people  to  walk  in 
wisdom  and  prudence  toward  those  that  are  without ;  and 
to  be  kindly  affectionate  one  to  another,  bearing  each 
other's  burdens,  and  forgiving  one  another,  as  God  for 
Christ's  sake  hath  forgiven  them. 

But  while  we  are  imploring  these  blessings  upon  the 
church  at  large,  O  Lord,  let  none  of  us  who  are  now 
assembled  before  thee  deceive  ourselves.  Enable  us  sin- 
cerely to  examine  ourselves  whether  we  be  in  the  faith, 
and  whether  our  faith  worketh  by  love,  and  overcometh 
the  world.  Leave  us  not  under  any  delusion  on  these 
momentous  points ;  and  let  thy  Holy  Spirit  establish  and 


FAMILY  PRAYER.  89 

carry  on  the  work  of  grace  in  our  souls.  May  we  thus 
be  living  members  of  the  church  militant  on  earth,  and 
be  trained  up  for  the  church  triumphant  in  heaven. 

Hear  these  our  prayers  and  supplications  for  thy  mer- 
cy's sake,  and  enable  us  to  begin  on  earth  our  eternal 
song,  by  ascribing  blessing,  and  honour,  and  glory,  and 
power  unto  him  that  sitteth  upon  the  throne,  and  unto  the 
Lamb  for  ever  and  ever.     Amen. 

TUESDAY  EVENING.  Swele. 

O  thou  incomprehensible  Lord  God,  to  whose  sight  all 
things  are  naked  and  open,  and  who  knowest  the  state 
and  character  of  every  individual  before  thee ;  let  not  any 
of  us  approach  thee  with  our  lips,  while  our  hearts  are 
estranged  from  thy  grace  and  love ;  but  enable  us,  under 
a  deep  conviction  of  our  own  guilt  and  helplessness,  to 
draw  nigh  unto  thee  in  faith  and  hope,  pleading  the  meri- 
torious name  and  perfect  righteousness  of  Jesus  Christ 
our  Lord,  who  ever  liveth  to  make  intercession  for  us. 

Without  this  way  of  access  into  thy  presence,  we  could 
not  presume  to  lift  up  our  eyes  unto  thee.  We  must  have 
been  cast  off  for  ever,  and  bound  in  chains  of  eternal 
darkness.  But,  gracious  God,  encouraged  by  the  reve- 
lation of  mercy  in  Christ,  we  desire  now  to  humble  our- 
selves at  thy  feet  with  contrition  and  self-abasement,  and 
to  take  shelter  in  him,  acknowledging  that  there  is  salva- 
tion in  no  other. 

O  thou  Holy  Spirit,  whose  office  it  is  to  glorify  Jesus, 
by  taking  the  things  which  are  his,  and  revealing  them  to 
the  hearts  of  thy  people ;  help  us  not  only  to  discern  his 
personal  glory,  and  to  confess  before  men  that  he  is  our 
Lord  and  our  God  ;  but  likewise  his  mediatorial  fulness, 
who  was  made  sin  for  us,  that  we  might  be  made  the 
righteousness  of  God  in  him.     Help  us  cordially  to  resign 

8* 


90  FAMILY  RELIGION. 

ourselves  to  his  gracious  authority  and  wise  dispensations, 
making  him  the  sole  object  of  our  faith  and  hope,  of  our 
love  and  joy ;  and  yielding  ourselves  to  the  guidance  of 
his  word  and  providence.  Let  him  be  the  first  object  of 
our  thoughts  in  the  morning,  and  the  last  at  night,  that 
so,  by  looking  unto  Jesus  from  day  to  day,  and  by  walk- 
ing in  his  footsteps,  we  may  be  changed  into  the  same 
image,  from  glory  to  glory,  as  by  the  Spirit  of  the  Lord. 

Blessed  be  thy  name,  O  God,  for  the  rich  treasures  of  thy 
word,  and  for  the  exceeding  great  and  precious  promises 
wTith  which  it  abounds.  Enable  us  to  believe  them,  and 
to  wTait  with  patience  for  their  accomplishment  through 
Christ  Jesus,  in  whom  they  are  all  Yea  and  Amen.  And, 
O  God  the  Spirit,  by  whose  divine  inspiration  the  Holy 
Scriptures  were  written,  teach  us  to  know  thy  mind 
therein,  and  to  have  a  right  judgment  of  every  part  of 
thy  blessed  word.  May  we  make  it  the  subject  of  our 
daily  study,  and  do  thou  render  it  our  constant  delight; 
gladden  our  hearts  with  a  full  discovery  of  thy  grace, 
and  grant  that  we  may  daily  become  more  obedient  to  its 
sacred  precepts,  more  humble,  more  heavenly-minded, 
more  self-denying,  till  in  heart  and  life  we  are  altogether 
conformed  to  thine  image. 

Look  down,  O  Lord,  in  mercy  upon  thy  whole  church ; 
may  it  be  established,  strengthened,  and  settled  in  the 
faith  of  the  everlasting  gospel.  Carry  on  the  work  of 
thy  grace  among  the  children  of  men.  Let  such  as  shall 
be  saved  be  added  daily  to  thy  church.  Send  forth  the  glad 
tidings  of  great  joy  to  Heathen  and  Mahometan  lands. 
Regard  in  mercy  thy  own  ancient  people  Israel.  And 
hasten  the  time  when  the  wilderness  shall  be  turned  into 
the  garden  of  the  Lord,  and  wThen  all  flesh  shall  see  the 
salvation  of  our  God. 

And  now,  O  heavenly  Father,  while  we  bless  thee  foi 
all  the  mercies  of  the  past  day,  we  beseech  thee  to  renew 


FAMILY  PRAYER.  91 

thy  mercies  to  us,  and  to  spread  thy  protecting  wings 
around  us,  during  the  dark  and  silent  hours  of  the  night. 
And  should  it  please  thee  to  raise  us  up  in  health  and 
safety,  to  see  the  light  of  another  day,  lift  up  also  the 
light  of  thy  countenance  upon  us,  that  we  may  walk  be- 
fore the  Lord  in  the  light  of  the  living.  Hear  these  our 
imperfect  petitions,  which  we  offer  through  the  prevailing 
merits  of  Jesus  Christ.  For  his  sake,  take  away  all  our 
iniquity,  receive  us  graciously,  love  us  freely,  and  sancti- 
fy us  wholly :  and  unto  thy  name,  Father,  Son,  and  Spirit, 
the  Triune  Jehovah,  be  ascribed  everlasting  praise. 
Amen. 

WEDNESDAY  MORNING.  Steele. 

O  Lord  God  Almighty,  who  art,  and  wast,  and  art  to 
come,  thy  name  is  most  holy,  and  thy  glory  reacheth 
above  the  heavens.  Wherewith  shall  we  come  before 
thee  and  bow  ourselves  in  thy  sacred  presence.  We 
adore  thee,  that  through  thy  beloved  Son  thou  hast  open- 
ed the  way  to  the  throne  of  grace,  and  hast  declared  thy- 
self to  be  rich  in  mercy  to  all  that  call  upon  thee  in  truth. 
In  Him  all  thine  attributes  harmonize ;  by  Him  thy  law  is 
magnified  and  made  honourable,  and  thy  justice  is  satis- 
fied; and  through  Him  thy  mercy  flows  down  upon  a 
guilty  world ! 

Great  and  glorious  God,  we  are  individually  and 
unitedly  bound  to  give  thee  our  fervent  thanks,  because 
thy  hands  have  made  us ; — thy  power  preserves  us, — and 
thou  givest  us  all  things  richly  to  enjoy.  It  is  of  thy  good- 
ness that  we  have  not  spent  a  wearisome  night,  full  of 
tossings  to  and  fro  until  the  dawning  of  the  day;  yea,  it 
is  because  thou  hast  sustained  us,  that  we  have  not  slept 
the  sleep  of  death.  Thou  hast  lightened  our  eyes  again, 
and  hast  caused  the  out-goings  of  the  morning,  as  well 
as  of  the  evening,  to  rejoice  over  us.     We  adore  thee,  O 


92  FAMILY  RELIGION. 

God,  for  thy  goodness,  wisdom,  and  power,  displayed  in 
our  creation.  We  adore  thee  that  in  the  time  of  danger, 
thou  hast  been  our  shield  and  our  defence  against  the 
multiplied  evils  and  calamities,  in  which  many  others 
have  been  involved.  But  in  an  especial  manner  we  adore 
thee  for  thy  unspeakable  mercy,  and  everlasting  love 
displayed  in  sending  thy  beloved  Sox,  to  be  a  propitiation 
for  our  sins,  and  that  thou  hast  made  peace  through 
the  blood  of  his  cross,  by  him  to  reconcile  sinners  unto 
thyself. 

Merciful  Father,  make  us  sensible  that  we  are  not 
worthy  of  the  least  of  thy  mercies,  and  grateful  that  thy 
loving  kindness  is  ever  more  and  more  towards  us.  Help 
us  to  own  thy  providence  in  all  our  concerns — and  to 
bless  the  hand  that  smites  us  in  all  the  afflictions  and 
trials  of  this  mortal  life.  May  we  trace  up  all  our  streams 
of  earthly  and  spiritual  comfort,  to  the  fountain  of  eter- 
nal love  in  Christ  Jesus. 

O  thou  Holy  Spirit,  whose  office  it  is  to  take  of  the 
things  of  Christ,  and  show  them  with  power  to  our  souls, 
discover  to  us  more  and  more  of  the  all-sufficiency  of 
the  Lord  Jesus,  and  of  the  endearing  offices  and  relations 
which  he  sustains  towards  his  people. 

May  we  know  him  as  our  life  and  peace,  our  wisdom 
and  righteousness,  our  sanctification  and  redemption,  our 
refuge  and  the  rock  of  our  strength. 

Blessed  Lord,  put  thy  fear  into  our  hearts ;  give  us  un- 
derstanding to  know  thy  will  in  all  things,  and  grace  to 
perform  the  same.  Enable  us  to  gain  the  victory  over 
our  besetting  sins.  Wean  our  affections  from  the  things 
of  time  and  sense.  Put  the  world,  the  flesh,  and  the 
devil  under  our  feet.  And  enable  us  to  glorify  thee  with 
our  bodies,  our  souls,  and  our  spirits,  which  are  thine. 
Help  us  to  reflect  that  we  are  not  redeemed  with  cor- 
ruptible things,  such  as  silver  and  gold,  but  with  the  pre 


FAMILY  PRAYER.  93 

cious  blood  of  Christ,  as  of  a  lamb  without  spot  and 
blemish.  May  our  walk  and  conduct  prove  that  we  are 
his  true  disciples ;  may  we  walk  in  his  steps,  and  run  with 
enlarged  hearts  in  the  way  of  his  commandments. 

We  now  make  our  supplications  unto  thee,  O  Lord,  in 
behalf  of  our  dear  relations  and  friends.  May  they  all 
be  dear  to  thee.  Have  mercy  on  those  who  are  alienated 
from  thee,  through  the  ignorance  that  is  in  them,  and 
who  neither  see  nor  feel  the  guilt  and  corruption  of  their 
nature.  Enlighten  their  dark  minds,  and  make  them 
wise  unto  salvation  through  faith  in  Jesus  Christ.  Be 
gracious  also  to  those  who  have  received  a  good  hope 
through  thy  grace ;  establish  their  faith,  animate  their 
hope,  increase  their  love,  and  fix  their  affections  surely 
there,  where  true  joys  are  to  be  found.  And  while  the 
door  of  mercy  is  yet  open,  cause  sinners  of  every  de- 
scription to  flee  to  him  who  delivereth  from  the  wrath  to 
come.  O  Lord,  let  the  word  of  thy  truth  have  free  course 
and  be  glorified ;  let  the  borders  of  thy  church  be  en- 
larged ;  and  let  every  tongue,  and  kindred,  and  people, 
unite  in  praising  the  God  of  their  salvation. 

Hear  us,  O  Heavenly  Father,  for  the  sake  of  Him  who 
hath  loved  and  redeemed  us,  even  the  Lord  our  Right- 
eousness ;  to  whom,  with  thee,  and  the  Holy  Spirit,  our 
guide  and  comforter,  be  ascribed  the  kingdom,  and  the 
power,  and  the  glory,  now  and  for  evermore.     Amen. 


WEDNESDAY  EVENING.  Steele. 

O  Blessed  God,  who  lookest  down  with  compassion 
and  tender  mercy  upon  sinners,  who  prostrate  themselves 
before  the  footstool  of  thy  grace,  in  the  name  of  Jesus 
Christ  our  Saviour,  dispose  us  to  direct  our  prayer  unto 
thee,  and  to  look  up  for  thy  blessing.  4 


94  FAMILY  RELIGION. 

Praised  be  thy  name  for  all  the  dispensations  of  thy 
providence,  and  the  suitable  provision  which  thou  makest 
day  after  day,  for  the  supply  of  all  our  temporal  wants. 
But,  above  all,  praised  be  thy  name,  that  though  we  are 
guilty  and  depraved  creatures,  thou  hast  not  shut  us  up 
in  despair,  but  hast  sent  to  us  thy  glorious  gospel,  in 
which  thou  hast  brought  life  and  immortality  to  light,  arid 
hast  encouraged  us  to  enter  into  thine  immediate  presence 
by  the  blood  of  Jesus,  by  a  new  and  living  way  which 
he  has  consecrated  for  us,  through  the  rent  veil  of  his 
crucified  body. 

We  come  before  thee,  pleading  his  merits  and  right- 
eousness for  our  acceptance  at  the  throne  of  grace,  and 
we  pray  that  the  life  we  now  live  in  the  flesh,  may  daily 
be  by  the  faith  of  the  Son  of  God,  who  loved  us  and 
gave  himself  for  us.  May  we  be  assimilated  to  his  di- 
vine image ;  and  as  he  who  hath  called  us  is  holy,  so 
may  we  be  holy  in  all  manner  of  conversation.  Clothe 
us  with  humility ;  may  we  sit  continually  at  the  feet  of 
the  blessed  Jesus,  that  we  may  be  taught  by  him  the 
things  pertaining  to  the  kingdom  of  God.  Though  we 
have  not  seen  him  with  our  bodily  eyes,  yet  we  may  love 
him  with  pure  hearts  fervently ;  and  though  now  we  see 
him  not,  yet  believing,  may  we  rejoice  with  joy  unspeak- 
able and  full  of  glory.  Create  in  us  clean  hearts,  O  God, 
and  give  to  each  of  us  the  ornament  of  a  meek  and 
quiet  spirit,  which  in  thy  sight  is  of  great  price.  De- 
liver us  from  the  love  of  this  present  evil  world,  and 
make  us  ever  to  remember  the  awful  declaration,  that 
"  if  any  man  love  the  world,  the  love  of  the  Father  is 
not  in  him."  Cast  down  every  high  imagination  within 
us,  that  exalteth  itself  against  the  knowledge  of  God,  and 
bring  into  captivity  all  our  thoughts  to  the  obedience  of 
Christ.  May  we  be  constrained  by  discoveries  of  his 
boundless  love,  cheerfully  to  present  our  bodies  a  living 


FAMILY  PRAYER.  95 

sacrifice,  holy  and  acceptable  unto  thee,  which  is  our 
reasonable  service.  May  we  indeed  prove  to  those  around 
us,  that  we  are  the  followers  of  the  Lamb,  that  we  have 
partaken  of  his  Spirit,  and  that  the  genuine  fruits  of  it 
are  shining  forth  in  our  tempers,  our  actions,  and  our 
whole  conversation. 

Help  us,  O  our  God,  in  whatsoever  state  we  are 
placed,  therewith  to  be  content.  If  in  poverty,  enable 
us  to  look  to  him,  who  for  our  sakes  became  poor,  that 
we  through  his  poverty,  might  be  rich.  If  mourning  un- 
der a  sense  of  sin,  guide  us  to  the  fountain  that  is  opened 
for  all  sin  and  uncleanness.  If  our  hearts  are  under  the 
influence  of  corruption,  supply  us  with  that  grace  which 
is  all-sufficient  for  us.  If  tempted  or  assaulted  by  Satan, 
enable  us  to  seek  help  of  him,  who  can  make  us  more 
than  conquerors  over  all  the  powers  of  darkness.  If  ex- 
posed to  the  persecutions  of  an  ungodly  world,  teach  us 
to  look  to  him  who  endured  the  contradiction  of  sinners 
against  himself,  and  who  hath  said  for  our  comfort — "Be 
of  good  cheer,  I  have  overcome  the  world !"  And  in 
every  condition  of  life,  keep  us  looking  unto  Jesus  our 
compassionate  High  Priest,  who  is  ever  touched  with  a 
feeling  of  the  infirmities  of  his  people,  and  will  not  suf- 
fer them  to  be  tempted  above  what  they  are  able  to 
bear. 

Merciful  God,  we  bless  thee  for  the  mercies  of  the  past 
day.  How  many  comforts  and  advantages  do  we  enjoy 
which  are  denied  to  others !  Not  only  have  we  health 
and  strength,  and  all  things  needful  for  the  support  of  our 
bodies,  but  thou  dost  exercise  the  tenderest  forbearance 
towards  us  in  still  sparing  us,  and  setting  before  us  the 
rich  blessings  of  thy  grace.  Manifest,  we  pray  thee,  thy 
redeeming  love  to  our  souls,  and  comfort  us  with  the  joy 
of  thy  salvation.     O  Lord,  what  shall  we  render  unto 


96  FAMILY  RELIGION. 

thee  for  all  thy  benefits  to  us  ]     We  will  take  the  cup  of 
salvation,  and  call  upon  the  name  of  the  Lord. 

We  commend  to  thy  merciful  protection,  our  bodies 
and  souls  this  night  Sleeping  or  waking,  living  or  dying, 
we  would  be  thine. 

Lord,  keep  us  and  all  who  are  near  and  dear  to  us, 
from  every  danger,  and  surround  us  by  thy  power,  so 
that  no  evil  may  happen  us.  Impart  all  those  bless- 
ings which  we  have  been  asking  for  ourselves,  to  our 
friends  and  relations,  and  may  they  and  we  receive, 
from  time  to  time,  all  needful  direction,  strength  and 
consolation,  out  of  the  fulness  of  that  grace  which  is 
treasured  up  in  Jesus  Christ,  in  whose  name  and  words 
we  sum  up  all  our  petitions,  saying, 

Our  Father  which  art  in  heaven,  fyc. 

THURSDAY  MORNING.  Swete. 

O  Eternal  and  unchangeable  Jehovah,  who  dwellest  in 
light  which  no  mortal  eye  can  behold,  and  dost  from  thy 
sanctuary  look  down  on  the  things  that  are  in  heaven  and 
earth  ; — we  adore  thee  that  thou  hast,  in  the  riches  of  thy 
grace,  opened  a  new  and  living  way,  whereby  sinners 
may  draw  nigh  to  thee,  and  find  thee  to  be  a  just  God, 
and  yet  a  Saviour,  able  and  willing  to  save  to  the 
uttermost,  all  who  come  unto  thee  through  thy  incar- 
nate Son. 

O  God,  when  we  contemplate  thine  infinite  holiness 
and  purity,  and  our  own  sinfulness  and  depravity,  wre 
have  reason  to  loathe  and  abhor  ourselves,  and  to  repent 
in  dust  and  ashes.  O  Lord,  our  heavenly  Father,  we 
mourn  over  and  bewail  at  thy  footstool,  those  sins  which 
we,  from  time  to  time,  have  committed  by  thought,  word, 
and  deed,  against  thy  divine  majesty. 

But  to  thee  belong  mercies  and  forgivenesses,  though 


FAMILY  PRAYER.  97 

we  have  sinned  and  rebelled  against  thee.  We  bless  thee, 
that  the  blood  of  Jesus  Christ  cleanseth  from  all  sins ; 
that  he  has  made  reconciliation  for  iniquity,  and  has 
brought  in  everlasting  righteousness ;  and  that  thy  word 
which  cannot  err,  declares,  that  "  whosoever  believeth  in 
him  shall  not  perish,  but  have  everlasting  life;" — that 
"though  our  sins  be  as  scarlet,  they  shall  be  made  as 
white  as  snow ;  though  they  be  red  like  crimson,  they 
shall  be  as  wool !" 

O  Lamb  of  God,  who  takest  away  the  sin  of  the 
world,  cleanse  us  from  our  sins  by  thy  most  precious 
blood,  and  clothe  us  in  the  spotless  robe  of  thy  righteous- 
ness, that  being  justified  and  accepted  by  thy  merits,  we 
may  have  joy  and  peace  in  believing. 

O  holy  and  eternal  Spirit,  enable  us,  by  our  life  and 
conversation,  to  adorn  the  doctrine  of  God  our  Saviour 
in  all  things.  May  we  prove  to  those  around  us  that  we 
are  the  children  of  light;  that  we  are  sitting  for  instruc- 
tion at  the  feet  of  the  Lord  Jesus,  that  we  have  received 
his  precepts,  are  influenced  by  his  grace,  are  following 
his  example,  and  are  pressing  forward  to  his  kingdom. 
Preserve  us  from  imbibing  the  spirit  and  temper  of  those 
who  fear  not  thee ;  but  do  thou  increase  within  us  the 
faith,  the  fear,  and  the  love  of  thy  holy  name.  Suffer  us 
not  to  place  our  security  in  an  arm  of  flesh,  but  teach  us 
ever  to  look  for  it  where  alone  it  is  to  be  found,  in  the 
Lord  Jesus  Christ.  Grant  that  being  united  to  him  by  a 
living  faith,  we  may  obtain  victory  over  the  corruption 
of  our  hearts,  the  temptations  of  Satan,  and  the  sinful 
cares  and  allurements  of  the  world.  Let  the  language 
of  our  hearts  ever  be — "  Behold  God  is  our  salvation,  we 
will  trust  and  not  be  afraid,  for  the  Lord  Jehovah  is 
our  strength  and  our  song,  he  is  also  become  our  sal- 
vation !" 

Into  thy  hands  we  commend  ourselves,  and  all  that 

9 


98  FAMILY  RELIGION. 

belong  to  us  this  day.  We  are  short-sighted  creatures, 
and  therefore  know  not  what  it  may  bring  forth.  Keep 
us  under  the  shadow  of  thine  almighty  wings.  Guide 
and  direct  us  continually  by  thy  counsel,  until  thou  hast 
brought  us  to  thy  glory. 

O  Lord,  we  now  lift  up  our  voices  with  thanksgivings 
to  thee,  for  the  multiplied  favours  both  of  providence  and 
grace,  which  thou  hast  heaped  on  our  undeserving  heads. 
We  bless  thee  for  our  creation,  preservation,  and  all  the 
other  blessings  of  this  life,  which  thou  hast  given  us  rich- 
ly to  enjoy  ;  but  above  all,  we  praise  thee  for  the  gift  of 
thy  Son, — for  the  word  of  thy  gospel, — for  the  promise 
of  thy  Spirit, — for  the  means  of  grace, — and  for  the  hope 
of  glory.  O  Lord,  help  us  to  show  forth  our  gratitude, 
not  merely  with  our  lips,  but  in  our  lives,  by  giving  up 
ourselves  to  thy  service,  and  by  bringing  forth  the  fruits 
of  righteousness  and  holiness,  which  are  by  Jesus  Christ, 
to  the  praise  of  the  glory  of  thy  grace.  Hear  us,  heavenly 
Father,  and  whilst  thou  hearest,  have  mercy  on  us.  Par- 
don the  iniquity  of  our  holy  offerings,  and  in  all  things 
enable  us  with  the  Psalmist  to  say, — "Not  unto  us,  O 
Lord,  not  unto  us,  but  unto  thy  name,  give  glory,  for  thy 
loving  mercy  and  thy  truth's  sake." 

Now  to  God  the  Father,  God  the  Son,  and  God  the 
Holy  Ghost,  the  glorious  unchangeable,  and  eternal  Jeho- 
vah, be  ascribed  by  us  on  earth,  as  by  angels  and  glori- 
fied saints  in  heaven,  everlasting  praise  !     Amen, 

THURSDAY  EVENING.  Suete. 

O  blessed  Lord,  thou  art  slow  to  anger,  abundant  in 
goodness  and  truth,  and  thy  mercy  endureth  for  ever ; 
assist  us  by  thy  Holy  Spirit,  to  draw  nigh  to  thy  mercy 
seat  with  humility  and  reverence ;  that  we  may  lay  be- 
fore thee  our  wants,  and  praise  thy  glorious  name  for  thy 


FAMILY  PRAYER.  99 

unceasing  favours  to  us,  both  of  a  temporal  and  spiritual 
nature. 

Great  God,  the  remembrance  of  our  manifold  trans- 
gressions against  thee,  makes  us  dread  to  approach  thy 
divine  majesty.  Thou  art  the  eternal  Jehovah,  who  art 
of  purer  eyes  than  to  look  upon  iniquity ;  whereas  we 
are  sinful  dust  and  ashes.  If  thou  shouldst  enter  into 
judgment  with  us,  we  could  not  answer  thee  for  one  action 
out  of  a  thousand,  but  should  be  forced  to  lay  our  hands 
upon  our  mouths,  and  cry  out ;  "  Woe  unto  us,  for  we 
are  undone;  because  we  are  men  of  unclean  lips,  and 
we  dwell  in  the  midst  of  a  people  of  unclean  lips." 

But  thou  art  God,  and  not  man, — thou  changest  not, 
therefore  are  we  not  consumed.  Thy  ways  are  higher 
than  our  ways,  and  thy  thoughts  than  our  thoughts,  even 
as  the  heavens  are  higher  than  the  earth.  Yea,  great  as 
our  sins  and  provocations  have  been, — greater,  far  great- 
er is  thy  mercy  in  Christ  Jesus  !  Thou  art  a  reconciled 
father  and  friend  to  the  very  chief  of  sinners  that  cometh 
unto  thee  through  faith  in  his  name,  who  has  satisfied  the 
righteous  demands  of  thy  justice, — and  has  died  to  re- 
deem us  to  God  by  his  blood. 

Merciful  Lord,  remove  all  our  prejudices  against  the 
truth  as  it  is  in  Jesus ;  enlighten  our  understandings,  and 
influence  our  hearts,  that  we  may  behold  and  admire  the 
freeness  and  the  perfection  of  this  great  salvation.  Clothe 
us  in  the  garments  of  the  Redeemer's  righteousness,  and 
enable  us,  in  the  endearing  language  of  thine  adopted 
children,  to  call  thee — our  Father  and  our  God.  And  O 
that  a  constraining  view  of  his  boundless  love,  and  of 
the  invaluable  price  that  has  purchased  our  salvation, 
may  cause  us  to  surrender  our  hearts,  our  minds,  our 
bodies,  our  all,  to  the  service  of  the  Lord.  May  it  be 
seen  that  we  are  Christians  not  only  in  name  but  in  re- 
ality ;  that  we  have  not  only  the  form  of  godliness,  but 


100  FAMILY  RELIGION. 

its  power  also ;  and  that  we  have  not  only  received  the 
doctrines,  but  are  actuated  by  the  precepts  of  the  blessed 
Jesus.  Enable  us  to  carry  religion  into  all  the  domestic, 
the  social,  and  the  public  relations  of  life,  that  wherever 
our  sphere  of  duty  extends,  we  may  adorn  the  doctrine 
of  God  our  Saviour,  by  such  a  life  and  conversation  as 
become  us. 

O  God  of  the  spirits  of  all  flesh,  we  supplicate  thy 
mercy  in  behalf  of  all  mankind.  Be  graciously  pleased 
to  bless  and  preserve  the  President  of  the  United  States ; 
grant  him,  and  all  who  are  put  in  authority,  grace  to  rule 
with  wisdom  and  justice,  and  to  set  an  example  of  god- 
liness and  virtue  to  thy  people.  Look  down  in  mercy 
upon  the  whole  state  of  thy  holy  church  militant  on 
earth.  May  the  standard  of  the  cross  be  erected  in  all 
lands,  and  may  all  nations  and  tongues  flow  unto  it  May 
sinners,  everywhere,  lay  down  the  arms  of  their  rebel- 
lion, and  become  good  soldiers  of  Christ  Jesus ;  and  may 
all  who  name  the  name  of  Christ,  depart  from  iniquity. 
Heal  the  divisions  of  thy  people ;  kindle  within  them  a 
lively  zeal  for  thy  glory,  and  grant  that  they  may  unite 
with  one  heart,  as  well  as  in  one  faith,  to  promote  the 
religion  of  our  blessed  Redeemer. 

Almighty  God,  into  thy  protecting  arms  we  commit 
ourselves,  and  all  that  we  have,  this  night.  Thou  hast 
created  the  darkness  for  rest,  as  well  as  the  light  for  labour. 
Grant  us  quiet  and  refreshing  repose,  and  let  no  harm 
come  nigh  our  dwelling.  O  may  our  sleep  remind  us  of 
the  last  sleep  of  death,  and  our  beds,  of  the  awful  bed  of 
the  grave  to  which  we  are  hastening.  May  we  be  al- 
ways ready,  since  we  know  not  the  day  nor  the  hour,  in 
which  the  Son  of  Man  cometh.  O  Lord,  impress  our 
minds  with  a  full  conviction  of  the  certainty  of  this  aw- 
ful event.  May  we  be  taught  by  the  Holy  Spirit,  to  know 
the  things  that  belong  to  our  everlasting  peace,  that  when 


FAMILY  PRAYER.  101 

the  hour  of  death  arrives,  we  may,  with  a  firm  confidence 
in  thy  faithfulness  to  thy  promises,  fall  "  asleep  in  Jesus," 
looking  forward  to  the  morning  of  the  resurrection,  when 
we  shall  awake  in  his  likeness,  and  enter  into  the  joy  of 
our  Lord.  Hear  us,  gracious  Father,  and  send  down  an 
answer  of  peace  to  these  our  supplications,  for  the  sake 
of  thy  beloved  Son,  Jesus  Christ,  whom  with  thee  and 
the  eternal  Spirit,  we  adore  as  the  God  of  our  salvation, 
both  now  and  for  evermore.     Amen. 

FRIDAY  MORNING.  Swete. 

Most  blessed  Lord,  thou  hast  promised  that  whenever 
two  or  three  are  gathered  together  in  thy  name,  thou 
wilt  be  in  the  midst  of  them.  We  plead  this  promise, 
and  beseech  thee  to  deal  with  us  according  to  thy  mercy, 
and  to  prepare  our  hearts  by  thy  Holy  Spirit,  to  worship 
at  thy  footstool. 

We  presume  not  to  come  before  thee,  O  Lord,  trusting 
in  our  own  strength  or  righteousness.  We  are  full  of 
weakness  and  sin ;  our  wisdom  is  earthly  and  sensual, — 
our  hearts  are  prone  to  evil, — and  our  very  best  actions 
are  stained  with  imperfection.  But,  merciful  God,  guilty, 
weak,  and  helpless  as  we  are,  it  is  our  comfort,  yea,  our 
unspeakable  joy,  that  with  thee  there  is  plenteous  redemp- 
tion ;  and  that  thine  arms  are  widely  extended  to  receive 
every  returning  penitent,  who  seeks  for  mercy  in  thine 
appointed  way.  O  may  a  view  of  the  Cross  fill  our  souls 
with  the  sweetest  comfort,  and  may  we  count  all  things 
but  loss  for  the  excellency  of  the  knowledge  of  Christ 
Jesus  our  Lord.  May  we,  beholding  by  faith  the  suffer- 
ings of  the  bleeding  Lamb  of  God,  mourn  over  and  abhor 
those  sins  which  pierced  him ;  and  reflecting  upon  his 
amazing  love  in  dying  for  the  guilty,  may  we  love  nim 
in  sincerity,  and  be  enabled  with  truth  to  say  as  thy  peni- 

9* 


102  FAMILY  RELIGION. 

tent  apostle  did,  "Lord,  thou  knowest  all  things,  thou 
knowest  that  we  love  thee !"  May  we  be  conformed  to 
the  image  of  our  Redeemer  in  all  things, — in  his  purity 
and  self-denial — his  meekness  and  humility — his  love  to 
man — and  his  submission  to  the  Divine  will.  O  Lord, 
thou  alone  canst  give  us  ability  for  these  things — Thou 
knowest  whereof  we  are  made,  thou  rememberest  that 
we  are  but  dust.  Let  thy  strength  be  made  perfect  in 
our  weakness ;  and  upheld  by  thy  Spirit,  may  we  be  to 
thee  for  a  name  and  a  praise  among  the  people  of  the 
earth. 

O  Father  of  mercies,  we  have  abundant  cause  to  glo- 
rify thee  for  the  many  temporal,  as  well  as  spiritual  bless- 
ings which  we  enjoy.  In  thee  we  live,  and  move,  and 
have  our  being.  Thou  hast  brought  us  through  unseen 
dangers,  and  preserved  us  to  this  day  under  the  shadow 
of  thy  almighty  wings.  And  while  some  of  our  fellow- 
creatures  are  languishing  on  the  bed  of  sickness,  afflicted 
with  pain  and  want,  we  enjoy  health,  and  peace,  and 
plenty : — While  others  are  breathing  their  last,  perhaps 
in  the  depths  of  despair,  or  in  fatal  ignorance  of  thy 
blessed  gospel,  we  are  the  monuments  of  thy  forbearing 
mercy,  and  thou  dost  continue  to  bless  us  with  spiritual 
blessings  in  Christ  Jesus.  O  Lord,  what  shall  we  render 
unto  thee  for  all  thy  benefits?  Enable  us  to  show  forth 
our  gratitude  to  thee,  not  merely  with  our  lips,  but  also 
in  our  lives,  by  bringing  forth  the  fruits  of  righteousness, 
which  are  by  Jesus  Christ,  to  the  praise  and  glory  of  thy 
grace. 

O  Lord,  prepare  us  by  every  dispensation  of  thy  provi- 
dence and  grace,  for  that  awful  day  when  we  must  all 
stand  before  the  judgment-seat  of  Christ.  O  help  us  *o 
realize  the  scene,  when  the  heavens  shall  be  dissolved, 
and  the  elements  melt  away  with  fervent  heat,  and  when 
the  secrets  of  all  hearts  shall  be  opened ; — and  seeing  that 


FAMILY  PRAYER.  103 

these  things  must  come  to  pass,  let  us  consider  what  man- 
ner of  persons  we  ought  to  be  in  all  holy  conversation 
and  godliness.  May  we  give  all  diligence  to  make  our 
calling  and  election  sure,  and  may  our  conversation  be 
in  heaven,  from  whence  also  we  look  for  the  Saviour,  the 
Lord  Jesus  Christ ;  who  shall  change  our  vile  body,  that 
it  may  be  fashioned  like  unto  his  glorious  body,  accord 
ing  to  the  working,  whereby  he  is  able  to  subdue  all  things 
to  himself. 

Hear  us,  O  God  of  our  Salvation,  and  do  for  us  above 
all  that  we  can  ask  or  think,  for  Christ's  sake.     Amen. 

FRIDAY  EVENING.  Swete 

O  thou  God  of  all  grace  and  mercy,  who  hast  so  loved 
this  sinful  world,  that  thou  hast  given  thine  only  begotten 
Son,  that  whosoever  believeth  in  him  should  not  perish, 
but  have  everlasting  life ;  enable  us  through  him,  to  draw 
nigh  unto  thy  mercy  seat  with  humble  hope  and  filial 
confidence,  confessing  to  thee  our  guilt,  spreading  before 
thee  our  wants,  and  praising  thy  name  for  all  thy  loving 
kindness  towards  us. 

O  Almighty  God,  who  resistest  the  proud,  but  givest 
grace  to  the  humble,  humble  us  in  our  own  sight.  Strip 
us  of  every  thought  that  would  exalt  itself  against  thy  rich 
and  sovereign  grace.  Discover  to  us  our  owrn  utter  in- 
sufficiency, and  our  innumerable  instances  of  rebellion 
against  thee.  O  never  let  us  try  to  dissemble  or  palliate 
our  guilt ;  but  bow  down  our  hearts  before  thee  in  the 
deepest  self-abasement,  that  we  may  with  humility,  not 
with  feigned  lips,  confess  "  against  thee,  thee  only  have 
we  sinned,  and  done  evil  in  thy  sight ;  have  mercy  upon 
us,  O  God,  according  to  thy  loving  kindness,  according 
to  the  multitude  of  thy  tender  mercies,  blot  out  our  trans- 
gressions." 


104  FAMILY  RELIGION. 

Most  gracious  God,  we  adore  thee,  that  though  we  are 
cut  off  from  all  hope  of  acceptance  with  thee,  on  account 
of  any  thing  we  have  done  or  ever  can  do ;  yet,  that  thou 
wast  in  Christ  reconciling  the  world  unto  thyself,  not 
imputing  unto  mankind  their  trespasses.  Therefore,  on 
the  crucified  Jesus — that  tried  corner  stone — that  sure 
foundation  laid  in  Zion,  we  build  all  our  hopes  of  accept- 
ance with  thee :  for  he  is  our  merciful  high  priest,  who 
has  presented  the  perfect  sacrifice  of  himself  upon  the 
cross, — he  is  our  all-sufficient  advocate,  who  perpetually 
appears  before  thy  throne  on  high,  to  make  intercession  for 
us — he  is  the  propitiation  for  our  sins,  and  his  blood  speak- 
eth  mercy,  pardon,  and  peace  to  the  believing  soul.  O 
Lord,  let  a  sense  of  thy  unspeakable  love  be  shed  abroad 
in  our  hearts,  by  the  Holy  Ghost  being  given  unto  us;  let 
it  call  forth  our  gratitude  and  praise  to  thee,  and  con- 
strain us  to  employ  our  time  and  talents,  in  promoting 
the  fear  of  thy  name,  and  the  knowledge  of  thy  truth. 

Enable  us  to  exercise  unfeigned  love  to  the  brethren, 
and  forbearance  and  patience  under  injuries  towards  all. 
O  set  before  us  continually  the  example  of  the  meek  and 
lowly  Jesus,  who  was  holy,  harmless,  undefiled  and  sepa- 
rate from  sinners.  May  we  walk  as  he  walked,  and  may 
every  god-like  temper,  which  shone  in  him  in  all  the  ful- 
ness of  perfection,  be  manifested  in  our  conduct.  And  thus 
may  we  go  on  from  strength  to  strength,  till  with  all  the 
ransomed  of  the  Lord,  we  at  length  appear  before  our 
God  in  the  heavenly  Zion. 

And  now  gracious  Father,  we  commend  to  thy  mercy 
all  who  are  united  to  us  by  the  ties  of  kindred  or  friend- 
ship. Be  favourable  to  them,  and  not  only  protect,  and 
surround  them  with  the  mercies  of  thy  providence,  but 
enrich  them  with  the  far  greater  mercies  of  thy  covenant 
love  in  Christ  Jesus.  Look  on  the  face  of  thine  anointed, 
and  for  his  sake  visit  them  with  thy  salvation ;  and  O 


FAMILY  PRAYER.  105 

Lord,  in  tender  compassion  stretch  out  thine  arm  to  save 
those  whom  thou  knowest  to  be  under  the  power  of  their 
and  thine  enemies.  Show  them  the  dreadful  precipice 
on  which  they  stand ;  lead  them  by  a  way  they  know  not, 
and  enable  them  to  fly  for  refuge  to  the  Saviour  of  sinners. 
We  pray  thee  to  diffuse  the  light  of  thy  glorious  gospel 
among  the  children  of  men  throughout  the  whole  world. 
O  Lord,  hasten  the  time  when  all,  from  the  least  to  the 
greatest,  shall  know  thee  in  truth ;  and  when  the  king- 
doms of  this  world  shall  become  the  kingdoms  of  our  Lord 
and  of  his  Christ,  and  when  thou,  O  Jehovah,  shalt  reign 
in  the  hearts  of  men  for  ever  and  ever. 

Take  us  under  thy  protection  this  night :  the  darkness 
is  no  darkness  with  thee,  but  the  night  is  as  clear  as  the 
day.  Refresh  our  wearied  bodies  with  sweet  sleep,  and 
if  thou  permittest  us  to  see  the  light  of  another  day,  may 
we  live  throughout  it  to  the  glory  of  thy  name,  and  derive 
from  thee,  who  art  the  inexhaustible  fountain  of  grace 
and  truth,  such  manifestations  of  the  glory  of  the  great 
salvation  which  has  been  wrought  out  by  thy  incarnate 
Son,  as  may  encourage  us  to  run  with  patience  the  race 
which  is  set  before  us ;  in  his  name  and  prevailing  merits, 
we  further  address  thee  as 

Our  Father  which  art  in  heaven,  SfC. 

SATURDAY  MORNING.  Sweie. 

O  ever  blessed  God,  we  draw  nigh  to  thy  mercy  seat 
this  morning  in  prayer  and  supplication,  with  thanksgiv- 
ing. But  forasmuch  as  we  are  not  sufficient  of  ourselves, 
to  think  any  thing  good  of  ourselves,  and  as  all  our  suffi- 
ciency is  of  thee ;  we  beseech  thee  to  look  upon  us  in  thy 
beloved  Son,  and  to  enable  us  with  humble  confidence  in 
nis  merits  to  approach  thy  throne  of  grace,  that  we  may 


106  FAMILY  RELIGION. 

obtain  mercy  for  the  past,  and  grace  to  help  in  this  and 
every  future  time  of  need. 

Heavenly  Father,  it  becomes  us  to  draw  nigh  to  thee 
with  deep  humility  and  contrition  of  heart,  for,  alas  !  how 
often  have  we  broken  thy  precepts  in  thought,  word,  and 
deed  ; — how  often  have  we  abused  our  privileges  and 
wearied  thy  patience ; — yea,  how  often  have  we  requited 
thy  richest  favours  with  the  basest  ingratitude  !  Surely 
the  whole  head  is  sick,  and  the  whole  heart  faint, — we 
have  all  come  short  of  thy  glory,  and  if  thou  shouldst 
mark  iniquities,  who  could  stand  ?  But  thy  mercy  is  very 
great.  Through  Jesus  the  Son  of  thy  love,  thou  hast  sent 
redemption  unto  thy  people ;  thou  hast  commanded  thy 
covenant  for  ever :  holy  and  reverend  is  thy  name  ! 

-O  gracious  God,  our  hope  is  in  thee,  and  in  that  love 
which  has  redeemed  us  with  so  rich  a  price,  even  the 
price  of  ImmanueFs  blood.  In  him  thou  art  a  reconciled 
Father  to  the  very  chief  of  sinners  that  believeth  on  his 
name ; — in  him  thy  promises  are  all  Yea  and  Amen,  thy 
perfections  are  manifested  and  glorified,  and  through  him 
thy  boundless  mercy  is  revealed  to  sinful  man!  O  Lord, 
enable  us  continually  to  look  to  him  as  our  only  refuge, 
hope,  and  consolation. 

We  beseech  thee,  O  Lord  our  God,  for  his  sake,  not 
only  to  remember  our  sins  and  our  iniquities  no  more ; 
but  also  to  write  thy  laws  on  our  hearts,  and  to  enable  us 
to  walk  worthy  of  the  high  vocation  wherewith  we  are 
called.  Conscious  of  our  own  weakness,  we  come  to  thee 
for  grace  and  strength,  that  we  may  prevail  over  our 
many  corruptions  and  the  various  trials  and  temptations 
to  which  we  are  exposed.  If  thou  art  for  us,  who  can 
be  against  us  ?  Thou  canst  arm  us  with  the  sword  of 
the  Spirit,  and  the  shield  of  faith,  and  with  these  make  us 
to  prove  more  than  conquerors  through  him  that  hath 
loved  us.     O  strengthen  us  with  might  by  thy  Spirit,  in 


FAMILY  PRAYER.  107 

the  inner  man.  Mortify  all  our  evil  propensities.  Weaken 
our  attachment  to  the  perishing  enjoyments  of  this  world. 
Set  our  affections  on  things  above.  Endue  us  with  hu- 
mility ;  and  in  every  state  wherein  we  may  be  placed, 
teach  us  therewith  to  be  content. 

O  thou  God  of  grace ;  we  pray  thee  to  vouchsafe  thy 
blessing  to  us,  in  the  use  of  all  the  means  of  grace  which 
thou  hast  afforded  us.  When  we  hear  thy  gospel  preach- 
ed, or  read  thy  holy  word,  may  we  never  be  actuated  by 
a  self-sufficient  and  proud  spirit,  but  may  we  receive  with 
meekness  the  engrafted  word  which  is  able  to  save  our 
souls.  May  it  prove  a  light  unto  our  feet,  and  a  lamp 
unto  our  path.  Enable  us  to  bring  every  thing  to  the  law 
and  to  the  testimony,  that  thereby  we  may  obtain  a  deeper 
view  of  our  own  alienation  from  thee,  and  of  the  riches 
of  thy  grace  and  glory,  which  are  set  before  us  in  the 
gospel  of  God  our  Saviour. 

Take  under  thy  protection  and  guidance,  those  for 
whom  we  are  in  duty  bound  to  pray.  If  any  among  them 
are  weak  in  faith  and  wavering,  settle  and  strengthen 
them  ; — if  any  are  afflicted  and  poor,  comfort  and  enrich 
them  with  the  unsearchable  riches  of  Christ ; — if  any  are 
at  a  distance  from  thee,  or  halting  between  two  opinions, 
bring  them  nigh  through  the  blood  of  the  Cross,  and  enable 
them  to  choose  that  good  part  which  shall  never  be  taken 
away  from  them.  And,  O  Lord,  add  daily  to  thy  church 
such  as  shall  be  saved.  Send  thy  gospel  to  the  dark  places 
of  the  earth.  Clothe  it  with  thy  power,  and  hasten  the 
time  when  Jews  and  Gentiles  shall  be  gathered  into  one 
fold,  under  one  shepherd,  Jesus  Christ  the  Lord. 

And  now,  blessed  God,  we  wTould  not  rise  from  our 
knees  without  offering  to  thee  our  tribute  of  gratitude  for 
all  thy  mercies  and  loving  kindness  to  us;  for  thou  art 
the  author  and  giver  of  every  good  thing.  If  our  houses 
have  been  filled  with  plenty,  and  our  lives  preserved  in 


108  FAMILY  RELIGION. 

time  of  danger,  it  is  all  thy  doing,  for  by  thine  arm  we 
were  upheld.  If  we  know  the  truth  as  it  is  in  Jesus,  and 
have  found  acceptance  in  the  beloved,  it  is  thy  grace,  O 
Lord,  that  made  us  willing  in  the  day  of  thy  power.  If 
we  have  been  enabled  to  renounce  the  world,  the  flesh, 
and  the  devil,  and  if  our  wandering  feet  have  been  kept 
from  the  paths  of  sin,  it  is  the  same  almighty  grace  which 
has  obtained  for  us  the  victory.  Bless  the  Lord,  O  our 
souls,  and  all  that  is  within  us,  bless  his  holy  name ;  bless 
the  Lord,  O  our  souls,  and  forget  not  all  his  benefits. 

Vouchsafe  to  us,  we  pray  thee,  a  continuance  of  thy 
mercies.  Carry  on  the  good  work  which  we  trust  thou 
hast  begun  in  our  hearts,  until  the  day  of  the  Lord  Jesus. 
Then  may  we  appear  arrayed  in  wThite  robes,  even  in  the 
garments  of  our  Redeemer's  righteousness,  and  then  may 
wre  find  an  abundant  entrance  into  thy  kingdom  of  glory. 
Now  unto  him  that  is  able  to  do  exceeding  abundantly 
above  all  that  we  ask  or  think,  according  to  the  power 
that  worketh  in  us,  unto  him  be  glory  in  the  church  by 
Christ  Jesus,  world  without  end.     Amen. 

SATURDAY  EVENING.  Swete. 

O  almighty  God,  who  art  exalted  far  above  all  the 
blessing  and  praise  which  is  offered  to  thee  by  the  angels 
above ; — how  great  is  thy  mercy  in  opening  a  way  for 
lost  sinners  to  approach  thee,  and  to  spread  their  wants 
before  thy  footstool. 

Great  God,  we  might  justly  have  been  left  under  thy 
wrath  for  our  ingratitude  and  rebellion, — having  no  way 
to  escape,  had  not  thine  own  arm  brought  salvation! 
Thou  hast  sent  thine  incarnate  Son  to  seek  and  to  save 
the  guilty,  and  thou  hast  revealed  thyself  in  him  as  a  just 
God,  and  yet  the  justifier  of  the  believer  in  Jesus ; — a  just 
God,  and  yet  the  Saviour  of  sinners.     O  Lord,  save  us, 


FAMILY  PRAYER.  *     109 

we  beseech  thee ; — we  fall  as  vile  sinners  at  the  footstool 
of  thy  sovereign  mercy,  loathing  ourselves  in  our  own 
sight,  on  account  of  our  iniquities.  We  renounce  all  de- 
pendence on  any  merits  of  our  own.  We  plead  thy  pro- 
mises, and  offer  before  thee  no  other  sacrifice  or  right- 
eousness, but  the  all-sufficient  sacrifice  and  spotless  right- 
eousness of  thy  beloved  Son,  in  whom  thou  art  ever  well 
pleased. 

O  thou  Holy  Spirit,  whose  province  it  is  to  convince 
the  world  of  sin,  of  righteousness,  and  of  judgment,  dis- 
cover to  us  the  pride  of  our  nature,  and  the  alienation  of 
our  hearts  from  God.  Take  of  the  things  of  Christ  and 
exhibit  them  before  us  in  all  their  fulness  and  sufficiency. 
Cause  us  to  renounce  our  own  wisdom  and  righteousness, 
and  to  be  willing  to  receive  pardon,  and  the  hope  of  eter- 
nal life,  as  the  gift  of  free  unmerited  mercy,  through  Jesus 
Christ  our  Lord.  Create  in  us  clean  hearts,  O  God,  and 
renew  right  spirits  within  us.  Subdue  our  corrupt  desires, 
and  set  our  affections  on  heavenly  things. 

While  passing  through  this  wilderness,  we  would  look 
up  to  thee,  day  after  day,  as  our  heavenly  shepherd.  We 
have  often  erred  and  strayed  from  thy  fold,  yet  now  again 
we  return  to  thee  hungry  and  thirsty,  weak  and  defence- 
less, diseased  and  perishing,  O  may  we  hear  thy  voice 
and  follow  thee,  may  we  feed  on  thy  precious  promises, 
— may  we  drink  of  the  waters  of  life, — may  we  be  sup- 
ported by  thy  grace  and  enjoy  thy  favour.  And  if  thou 
seest  it  necessary  to  visit  us  with  diseases,  disappoint- 
ments, or  crosses  of  any  kind,  give  us  resignation  and 
submission  to  thy  will.  Make  us  to  know  that  if  we  are 
thy  sheep  we  shall  never  perish,  neither  shall  any  pluck 
us  out  of  thy  hands.  If  thou  art  for  us,  who  can  be 
against  us  ?  Yea,  though  we  walk  through  the  valley  of 
the  shadow  of  death,  we  will  fear  no  evil,  for  thy  rod  and 
thy  staff  shall  comfort  us.    Our  hope  is  in  thee  alone,  and 

10 


110        >  FAMILY  RELIGION. 

therefore  we  trust  that  thy  goodness  and  mercy  shall  fol- 
low Us  all  the  days  of  our  lives,  and  that  we  shall  dwell 
in  the  house  of  the  Lord  for  ever. 

With  humble  and  heartfelt  thanks  for  the  mercies  of 
the  day  that  is  past,  we  implore  thy  gracious  protection 
during  the  dark  and  silent  watches  of  the  night.  O  thou 
keeper  of  Israel,  who  never  slumberest  nor  sleepest,  be 
thou  about  our  path  and  about  our  bed.  Defend  us  from 
all  dangers,  refresh  our  wearied  bodies  with  sleep,  and  if 
it  should  please  thy  almighty  providence  to  raise  us  up 
to  behold  the  light  of  the  returning  sun,  let  us  arise  with 
thankful  hearts,  remembering  that  the  day  is  the  Sabbath 
of  the  Lord.  O  may  our  minds  be  solemnized,  and  may 
we  rejoice  and  be  glad  in  the  day  which  the  Lord  has 
made.  Be  with  all  thy  ministering  servants  on  the  mor- 
row, and  especially  with  him  who  ministers  unto  us. 
May  they  go  forth  in  the  fulness  of  the  blessing  of  the 
gospel  of  peace,  preaching  peace  through  the  blood  of  the 
Cross ;  and  may  the  word  of  thy  grace  be  as  the  rain  that 
watereth  the  earth,  and  maketh  it  to  bring  forth  and  bud  ; 
may  it  accomplish  thy  good  pleasure,  and  prosper  in  the 
thing  whereto  thou  shalt  send  it.  All  these  things  we  ask 
for  the  sake,  and  through  the  intercession  of  our  Lord  and 
Saviour  Jesus  Christ,  to  whom,  in  the  unity  of  the  Father 
and  the  Holy  Spirit,  be  ascribed  all  honour  and  glory, 
now  and  for  ever.     Amen. 


SECOND  WEEK. 

SUNDAY  MORNING.        Bickerstelh. 

O  Almighty  God,  Creator,  Governor,  and  Upholder 
of  all  things,  who,  after  making  the  heaven  and  the  earth, 
didst  rest  the  seventh  day,  and  bless  and  sanctify  it,  teach 
us  now,  resting  from  our  worldly  labours,  to  devote  the 


FAMILY  PRAYER.  Ill 

day  to  thy  service.  0  thou,  whose  Son  did,  as  on  this 
day,  rise  again  from  the  dead,  grant  us  grace  to  rise  from 
the  death  of  sin,  to  the  life  of  righteousness.  Help  us 
now,  in  his  name,  to  seek  thy  blessing  on  those  holy  duties 
to  which  the  Sabbath  is  set  apart. 

We  bless  and  praise  thee  for  the  appointment  of  this 
day,  and  for  all  the  means  of  grace  which  we  enjoy  in 
this  highly  favoured  land.  We  bless  thee  that  our  house 
is  open,  that  thy  ministers  have  liberty  to  preach,  and  we 
have  opportunity  and  inclination  to  assemble  with  thy 
people  and  hear  thy  holy  word. 

Above  all,  we  thank  thee  for  the  knowledge  of  Jesus 
Christ ;  for  free  justification  and  salvation  through  his  life, 
death  and  resurrection.  We  praise  thee  for  the  gift  of  thy 
Holy  Spirit.  Blessed,  for  ever  blessed,  be  thou,  the  God 
and  Father  of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  for  all  these  thy 
benefits. 

Great  have  been  thy  mercies  to  us ;  but  with  shame  we 
confess  that  we  have  slighted  thy  goodness,  and  carelessly 
regarded  thy  great  salvation.  How  many  Sabbaths  have 
we  broken !  how  many  invitations  of  mercy  have  we  neg- 
lected !  how  many  warnings  and  threatenings  have  we 
trifled  with !  how  cold  have  been  our  prayers !  how  great 
our  irreverence !  how  inexcusable  our  unbelief! 

Forgive  us,  O  forgive  us,  all  our  negligences,  and  in- 
firmities, and  all  our  sins  and  iniquities.  To  the  Lord 
our  God  belong  mercies  and  forgivenesses,  though  we 
have  rebelled  against  him.  Return  again  and  bless  us. 
Graciously  be  present  with  us,  through  all  the  solemn  ser- 
vices of  this  day.  Enable  us  to  go  to  thy  house  in  the  spirit 
of  prayer.  Pour  out  upon  us,  and  all  that  shall  meet  in 
thy  name,  the  spirit  of  grace  and  supplication.  Let  none 
of  us  draw  near  to  thee  with  our  lips  only,  while  our 
hearts  are  far  from  thee ;  but  enable  us  to  worship  thee 
in  spirit  and  in  truth.     Cause  thy  face  to  shine  upon  us. 


112  FAMILY  RELIGION. 

Grant  that  we  may  find  that  the  Lord  is  in  his  holy  Tem- 
ple, and  be  able  to  say,  It  was  good  for  us  to  have  been 
there !  Prepare  our  hearts  to  receive  thy  holy  word, 
that  it  may  be  sown  in  good  ground,  and  bring  much 
fruit  to  perfection. 

Bless  especially  all  such  as  hope  this  day  to  receive  the 
memorials  of  our  Saviour's  sufferings  and  death.  May 
contrition,  penitence,  faith,  humility,  and  love,  be  in  lively 
exercise,  and  be  greatly  increased. 

Help  all  of  us,  not  only  to  abstain  from  engaging  in 
our  usual  business  and  occupation,  but  also  keep  us  from 
worldly  conversation,  and  from  vain  thoughts.  Raise 
our  affections  to  things  above,  and  let  our  conversation 
be  in  heaven.  Enable  us  to  give  this  day  to  reading  and 
hearing  thy  word,  to  meditation,  self-examination,  and 
prayer;  and  be  thou  with  us,  to  bless  us  in  our  retired 
devotions. 

And,  Father  of  mercies,  we  beseech  thee  to  bless  all 
that  minister  in  holy  things.  Multiply  unto  them  thy 
grace,  that  they  may  be  faithful,  diligent,  and  laborious. 
Grant  them  humility,  disinterestedness,  watchfulness,  and 
zeal ;  may  all  have  grace  to  take  heed  to  themselves,  and 
to  the  flock  over  which  the  Holy  Ghost  has  made  them 
overseers,  feeding  the  church  of  God  which  he  has  pur- 
chased with  his  own  blood.  Stand  by  and  strengthen 
them  this  day.  Open  thou  their  mouths,  and  enable  them 
to  testify  boldly  the  gospel  of  the  grace  of  God.  We 
especially  pray  for  him  who  ministers  among  us.  May 
he  this  day  be  enabled  to  speak  a  word  in  season  to  us, 
and  to  all  that  hear  him. 

And,  we  beseech  thee,  grant  that  this  thy  Sabbath 
may  be  distinguished  by  great  and  singula  mercies  to 
thy  Church.  Be  thou  with  all  Christian  congregations 
meeting  to  worship  thee.  By  the  ministry  of  thy  word 
this  day,  convert  many  sinners;  heal  those  that  have 


FAMILY  PRAYER.  113 

backslidden,  strengthen  those  that  are  weak,  and  confirm 
those  that  are  strong.  Give  thy  holy  word  free  course, 
and  let  it  be  glorified  in  every  land,  and  among  every 
people.  Hear  us,  and  answer  us,  for  our  Lord  Jesus 
Christ's  sake.     Amen. 


SUNDAY  EVENING.         Bickersteth. 

Holy,  holy,  holy,  Lord  God  Almighty,  which  was,  and 
is,  and  art  to  come !  Thou  art  of  purer  eyes  than  to  be- 
hold iniquity ;  thou  chargest  thine  angels  with  folly,  and 
in  thy  sight  the  heavens  are  not  clean;  we  approach 
thee,  then,  only  in  the  name  of  Jesus  Christ. 

We  confess,  O  Lord,  how  defective  and  defiled  all  our 
services  are.  We  acknowledge  that  our  prayers  are  full 
of  distractions.  Our  confessions  want  confessing  over 
again,  and  our  very  petitions  need  thy  pardon;  our  cold 
intercessions  for  others  increase  our  own  guilt,  and  our 
unworthy  thanksgivings  fall  utterly  short  of  thy  great 
goodness  to  us.  We  carelessly  and  unbelievingly  hear 
thy  word.  All  we  do  is  polluted  and  sinful.  O  forgive 
us.  Forgive  the  sins  of  solemn  duties;  and  let  that 
great  High  Priest,  who  is  passed  into  the  heavens,  bear- 
ing the  iniquities  of  our  holy  things,  plead  for  us  in  thy 
sight. 

And  grant,  most  merciful  Lord,  that  it  may  not  be  in 
vain  that  we  enjoy  such  distinguished  privileges  as  thou 
hast  given  to  us,  lest  it  be  more  tolerable  for  Sodom  and 
Gomorrah  in  the  day  of  judgment  than  for  us.  Let  not 
the  seed  of  the  word  of  God  which  has  this  day  been 
sown  in  our  hearts,  be  plucked  away  by  Satan,  lost 
through  temptation,  or  choked  with  the  cares  of  this  life  ; 
but  having  heard  it  and  received  it,  incline  us  to  keep  it, 
and  do  thou  cause  it  to  bring  forth  fruit,  an  hundred  fold. 

Grant  that  our  lives  may  exhibit  whose  we  are  and 
10* 


114  FAMILY  RELIGION. 

whom  we  serve;  remembering  that  if  we  know  our 
Lord's  will  and  do  it  not,  we  shall  justly  have  the  se- 
verer punishment ;  we  humbly  beseech  thee,  strengthen 
our  resolutions  to  live  more  decidedly  to  thee.  We  feel 
that  we  now  have  again  to  enter  into  the  contest  with 
our  spiritual  enemies;  make  us  more  than  conquerors 
through  him  that  loved  us.  We  have  again  to  exert  our- 
selves to  run  the  race  set  before  us ;  teach  us  ever  to 
look  unto  Jesus  as  the  author  and  finisher  of  our  faith. 
O  let  us  take  the  more  earnest  heed  never  to  let  slip  the 
things  which  we  have  heard. 

And  we  pray  for  all  those  who  have  this  day  assem- 
bled before  thee,  and  heard  the  word  of  salvation.  Grant 
unto  them  the  same  mercies  which  we  ask  for  ourselves. 
Let  thy  ministers  that  water  others,  be  themselves  abun- 
dantly watered  in  their  own  souls.  Strengthen  them  for 
thy  work,  both  in  body  and  soul. 

Remember  in  mercy  those  who  by  thy  providence 
have  been  kept  from  thy  house,  and  let  them  receive  a 
special  supply  of  thy  grace.  Grant  that  those  who  have 
wilfully  or  ignorantly  deprived  themselves  of  public  wor- 
ship, may  have  their  eyes  opened  to  see,  and  their  hearts 
awakened  to  feel  their  guilt  and  their  danger,  and  to  learn 
to  flee  from  the  wrath  to  come.  O  hasten  the  time  when 
thy  house  shall  be  a  house  of  prayer  for  all  nations,  and 
the  whole  world  shall  worship  in  thy  courts. 

Thanks  be  unto  God  for  all  the  privileges  of  the  past 
Sabbath.  Blessed  be  thy  name  that  we  were  permitted 
to  hear  thy  word,  and  to  join  thy  people  in  prayer  and 
praise,  and  to  enjoy  so  plentifully  the  means  of  grace. 
Blessed  be  our  God  for  any  thing  of  communion  with 
him,  or  desire  after  him.  Blessed  be  our  God,  if  the 
grace  of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  or  his  holy  word,  be 
more  understood  or  valued  by  us.  Our  cup  runneth  over 
with  mercies. 


FAMILY  PRAYER.  11 5 

O  Lord,  if,  amid  our  infirmities,  thy  Sabbaths  here  be- 
low rejoice  the  heart ;  if  to  rest  from  earthly  labours, 
and  enjoy  the  privileges  of  thy  house  in  this  world  be 
delightful ;  how  should  we  thank  thee  for  the  prospect  of 
an  eternal  Sabbath,  where  thy  servants  shall  serve  thee 
without  one  wandering  thought,  without  weariness,  and 
without  distraction !  O  grant,  in  mercy  grant,  that  none 
of  those  who  have  this  day  met  together  in  thy  house, 
may  be  wanting  in  the  number  of  those  who  shall  dwell 
in  that  house  not  made  with  hands,  eternal  in  the  hea- 
vens, for  Jesus  Christ's  sake.     Amen. 

MONDAY  MORNING.       Bickersteth. 

Almighty  God,  the  Father  of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ, 
of  whom  the  whole  family  in  heaven  and  earth  is  named, 
who  hast  said  that  thou  wilt  be  the  God  of  all  the  fami- 
lies of  Israel,  and  they  shall  be  thy  people ;  dispose  our 
hearts,  by  the  gracious  influence  of  thy  Holy  Spirit,  to 
worship  thee  through  one  Mediator,  Jesus  Christ  our 
Lord. 

Thou  art  God,  and  there  is  none  beside  thee;  the 
Creator  of  heaven  and  earth,  the  Lord  of  glory,  the 
Lord  God,  merciful  and  gracious,  long  suffering,  abun- 
dant in  goodness  and  truth,  keeping  mercy  for  thousands, 
forgiving  iniquity,  and  transgressions,  and  sins,  and  that 
will  by  no  means  clear  the  guilty.  We  bow  and  wor- 
ship at  thy  footstool;  we  acknowledge  thee  to  be  the 
Lord. 

Accept,  through  thy  Son  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord,  our 
unfeigned  thanksgivings  for  the  mercies  of  another  day. 
Thou  gavest  us  our  being,  and  thou  preservest  us  from 
day  to  day.  Through  the  defenceless  hours  of  the  night, 
thou  hast  kept  us  in  safety.     Thou  hast  given  us  a  soul 


116  FAMILY  RELIGION. 

capable  of  knowing  and  rejoicing  in  thee,  and  a  body  by 
which  we  may  serve  thee. 

But,  O  Lord,  we  thank  thee  most  of  all  for  thy  spirit- 
ual blessings.  We  bless  thee  that  we  were  not  born  in 
heathen  lands,  but  in  this  favoured  country,  where  the 
light  of  thy  truth  clearly  shines.  We  thank  thee  for  the 
comfort  of  the  Holy  Scriptures,  for  the  labours  of  faith- 
ful ministers,  and  for  all  the  means  of  grace.  O  how 
great  has  been  thy  love  to  us !  Thou  spared st  not  thine 
own  Son,  but  deliveredst  him  up  for  us  all,  and  with  him 
thou  hast  freely  given  us  all  things. 

We  are  invited  to  come  to  thee ;  though  we  be  guilty 
and  sinful,  we  are  freely  offered  pardon,  peace,  and  sal- 
vation ;  and  thou  givest  us  a  hope  full  of  immortality  in 
Christ  Jesus  our  Saviour. 

What  reward  shall  we  render  unto  the  Lord,  for  all 
his  benefits  1  We  desire  now  afresh  to  devote  ourselves 
to  thy  service.  We  give  up  ourselves,  our  whole  selves 
unto  thee.  God  of  peace,  sanctify  us  wholly.  God  of  our 
life,  grant  that  our  whole  spirit,  and  soul,  and  body,  may 
be  preserved  blameless  unto  the  coming  of  our  Lord 
Jesus  Christ. 

But  with  shame  and  confusion  of  face,  we  would  con- 
fess that  we  have  been  rebellious  and  disobedient.  Thou 
art  holy,  but  we  are  unholy.  Thou  art  merciful,  but  we 
have  often  been  selfish  and  unkind.  Thou  art  pure,  but 
we  are  impure.  Thou  art  patient,  but  we  are  impatient. 
We  have  abused  all  thy  gifts,  and  made  them  occasions 
of  sin.  Lord,  we  acknowledge  our  impenitence,  we  con- 
fess our  unbelief,  we  bewail  our  self-righteousness. 

Forgive  us  all  our  offences,  remember  not  against  us 
our  transgressions,  but  remember  thy  great  and  tender 
mercies,  which  have  been  ever  of  old.  Grant  unto  every 
one  of  us  a  saving  interest  in  the  death  of  Christ,  full  and 
free  forgiveness  of  all  our  sins,  and  grace  and  strength 


FAMILY  PRAYER.  117 

to  go  and  sin  no  more.  Lord,  help  us  to  love  thee,  teach 
us  to  serve  thee.  Give  us  thy  strength  that  we  mayover- 
come  our  corrupt  nature.  Grant  that  this  day  we  may 
have  power  from  on  high  to  resist  every  temptation,  to 
confess  Christ  before  men,  to  labour  steadfastly  with  a 
single  eye  to  thy  glory,  to  live  in  the  spirit  of  prayer,  in 
faith,  himiility,  self-denial,  and  love,  and  to  walk  before 
thee  in  that  narrow  way  which  leads  to  eternal  life.  Fill 
us  with  love  to  others.  Teach  us  to  do  good  to  all  men, 
and  to  seek  according  to  our  means,  to  visit  and  relieve 
the  fatherless  and  the  widows  in  their  affliction :  and  do 
thou  keep  us  unspotted  from  the  world. 

Lord,  for  thy  name's  sake,  hear  us.  We  beseech  thee, 
according  to  thy  infinite  mercy,  give  us  grace  to  serve 
thee  constantly  and  unfeignedly.  Herein  art  thou  glori- 
fied, that  we  bear  much  fruit.  For  thine  own  glory,  grant 
us  thy  spirit,  that  we  may  bring  forth  all  the  fruits  of 
righteousness. 

And  hear  us  farther  in  behalf  of  our  relations  and 
friends,  our  neighbourhood,  our  minister,  and  all  for  whom 
we  ought  to  pray.  Help  those  that  are  weak.  Comfort 
those  that  are  cast  down.  Heal  those  that  are  sick.  Re- 
lieve those  that  are  in  distress.  Be  merciful  unto  thy 
church.  O  bless  us,  and  cause  thy  face  to  shine  upon  us, 
that  thy  way  may  be  known  upon  earth,  thy  saving 
health  among  all  nations.  Bring  the  Gentiles  to  Christ. 
Gather  thy  people  Israel  into  thy  fold.  Give  wisdom  and 
power  to  every  effort  of  Christian  love  for  spreading  thy 
gospel.  Bless  all  societies  formed  for  this  end,  and  let 
those  who  support  and  conduct  them,  have  thy  direction 
and  guidance.  Lord,  grant  that  the  power  of  the  cross 
of  Christ,  may  at  length  fully  triumph  over  all  error  and 
superstition,  all  idolatry,  and  delusion,  and  sin. 

Gracious  Lord,  not  for  our  worthiness,  but  for  the  only 


118  FAMILY  RELIGION. 

name's  sake  of  Jesus  Christ,  hear  these  our  prayers,  which 
we  sum  up  in  his  own  words. 
Our  Father,  fyc. 

MONDAY  EVENING.         Bickerstelh. 

O  eternal  God,  whose  name  is  love,  and  who  so  loved 
the  world  that  thou  gavest  thine  only  begotten  Son,  that 
whosoever  believeth  in  him  should  not  perish,  but  have 
everlasting  life,  help  us,  by  thy  Holy  Spirit,  to  believe  in 
Jesus  Christ ;  and  trusting  in  him  to  have  access  unto  thee. 

We  feel  our  need  of  a  Saviour  for  sinners ;  for  we  all 
have  sinned  and  come  short  of  the  glory  of  God.  When 
we  look  back  even  on  the  past  day,  thy  law  accuses  us 
of  many  sins,  and  our  own  consciences  justly  condemn 
us.  We  have  been  forgetful  of  thy  presence ;  our  con- 
versation has  been  light  and  trifling ;  and  we  have  not 
with  a  single  eye  sought  thy  glory,  or  copied  the  holy  life 
of  our  Saviour  Christ.  He  left  us  a  perfect  example,  but 
how  seldom  we  tread  in  his  steps !  how  little  we  have  of 
his  meekness  and  lowliness  of  heart,  of  his  zeal  and  love  ! 
We  have  sinned,  notwithstanding  the  light  of  thy  word, 
and  the  checks  of  our  own  consciences. 

Grant  us  thy  grace,  that  we  may  not  be  hardened 
through  the  deceitfulness  of  sin.  Give  us  true  repentance, 
and  such  a  sense  of  our  sinfulness,  as  may  lead  us  to  de- 
spair of  salvation  by  any  works  of  our  own ;  and  bring 
us  humbled  and  penitent  to  the  foot  of  the  cross.  Help 
us  by  faith  to  behold  the  Lamb  of  God,  which  taketh 
away  the  sin  of  the  world.  Teach  us  to  renounce  our 
own  righteousness,  and  to  depend  wholly  on  Jesus  Christ. 
May  we  be  able  to  say  and  feel,  "  In  the  Lord  have  I 
righteousness  and  strength." 

Teach  us  to  come  to  Jesus  Christ,  and  now  to  look  to 
him,  not  only  for  pardon  and  peace,  but  also  for  grace 


FAMILY  TRAYER.  119 

and  strength.  We  are  weak,  but  Jesus  is  strong :  grant 
that  we  may  be  made  strong  in  and  through  him.  Draw 
us  to  Christ,  that  we  may  receive  out  of  his  fulness,  all 
that  we  need,  repentance,  remission  of  sins,  and  the  gift 
of  thy  Holy  Spirit ;  that  he  may  dwell  in  our  hearts  by 
faith,  and  we  be  rooted  and  grounded  in  love. 

We  commend  ourselves  to  thy  care  during  the  night. 
Let  no  evil  come  nigh  us.  May  our  last  thoughts  be  with 
thee ;  and  when  we  awake  up,  may  we  still  be  with  thee. 
Refresh  our  bodies  with  the  quiet  repose  of  the  night,  and 
renew  our  spiritual  strength.  Teach  us  ever  to  watch 
and  pray,  and  to  be  always  ready,  seeing  we  know  nei- 
ther the  day  nor  the  hour  when  the  Son  of  Man  shall 
come. 

Extend  thy  merciful  care  to  all  that  are  near  and  dear 
to  us.  We  pray  for  all  our  relatives.  May  those  that 
are  endeared  to  us  by  the  ties  of  nature,  be  yet  more  dear 
by  the  stronger  bonds  of  grace.  Grant  that  we  be  all  one 
in  Christ  Jesus  our  Lord.  We  pray  for  our  christian 
friends,  for  our  neighbours,  and  all  with  whom  we  have 
intercourse. 

Bless  those  that  minister  before  the  Lord.  May  they 
all  be  faithful,  wise,  humble,  and  devoted  servants  of  our 
Lord  Jesus  Christ.  Everywhere  raise  up  pastors  accord- 
ing to  thine  heart,  who  shall  feed  thy  people  with  know- 
ledge and  understanding.  Grant  thy  blessing  to  every 
missionary  now  preaching  Christ  to  the  Gentiles.  Cause 
Jew  and  Gentile  to  turn  to  the  Lord,  that  they  may  be 
saved.  Bring  on  the  happy  day,  when  there  shall  be  one 
fold  and  one  Shepherd ;  and  they  shall  not  hurt,  nor  de- 
stroy in  all  thy  holy  mountain. 

O  thou  giver  of  every  good  and  perfect  gift,  we  praise 
and  bless  thee  for  thy  great  and  continued  mercies  to  us. 
All  things  thou  givest  to  us  richly  for  enjoyment.     We 


120  FAMILY  RELIGION. 

receive  from  thee  full  provision  for  all  our  temporal  wants, 
and  thou  forgivest  our  iniquities. 

Like  as  a  father  pitieth  his  children,  so  thou  our  Lord 
and  Father  pitiest  them  that  fear  thee.  Thou  knowest 
our  frame ;  thou  rememberest  that  we  are  dust.  Thou 
hast  had  compassion  on  us  in  our  low  estate,  and  thou 
gavest  thy  Son  to  die  for  us ;  and  now  thou  offerest  and 
givest  us  thy  Holy  Spirit,  to  soften  our  hard  hearts  and 
to  help  our  infirmities.  Thou  justifiest  us  freely  by  thy 
grace,  adoptest  us  into  thy  family,  and  givest  us  a  hope 
full  of  glory. 

Behold  what  manner  of  love  thou  our  Father  hast  be- 
stowed upon  us,  that  we  should  be  called  the  sons  of 
God !  God  of  mercy,  grant,  only  grant,  that  we  may 
be  followers  of  thee  as  dear  children,  and  show  forth  thy 
praise,  not  only  with  our  lips,  but  in  our  lives,  through 
Jesus  Christ. 

And  now  blessing,  and  honour,  and  glory,  and  power, 
be  unto  him  that  sitteth  upon  the  throne,  and  unto  the 
Lamb,  for  ever  and  ever.     Amen. 

TUESDAY  MORNING.       Bichersteth. 

Almighty  God,  source  of  every  good,  and  fountain  of 
every  blessing,  the  God  and  Father  of  our  Lord  Jesus 
Christ,  and  in  him  our  God  and  Father,  give  us  the  Spirit 
of  adoption,  and  enable  us  to  cry,  Abba,  Father.  Help 
us  to  come  and  pour  out  our  hearts  before  thee  with  the 
same  confidence  and  affection  with  which  children  go  to 
an  earthly  parent.  Enable  us  to  repose  on  thy  love,  to 
tell  thee  all  our  desires,  and  all  our  sorrows;  and  from 
the  heart,  to  thank  thee  for  all  thy  goodness  to  us. 

Great  and  abundant  cause  we  have  to  bless  our  God 
for  all  that  he  is  in  himself,  and  for  all  that  he  is  to  us. 
Thy  mercies  are  new  every  morning.     We  thank  thee 


FAMILY  PRAYER.  121 

that  we  meet  together  in  peace  and  safety.  Thou  hast 
been  our  defence  and  our  refuge.  Let  then  the  outgoings 
of  the  morning  and  of  the  evening  praise  thee. 

We  thank  thee  more  especially  for  all  the  mercies  of 
redemption.  In  the  gospel  of  Christ,  mercy  and  truth 
meet  together,  and  righteousness  and  peace  kiss  e£ch 
other.  Thus  can  even  we  rejoice  in  thy  power  and  jus- 
tice, thy  holiness,  mercy  and  love ;  and  bless  thee  that 
the  light  of  the  knowledge  of  this  thy  glory,  shines  in  the 
hearts  of  thy  people,  in  the  face  of  Jesus  Christ.  Blessed 
be  thou  the  just  God  and  the  Saviour. 

O  how  unworthy  are  we  of  the  least  of  thy  mercies ! 
We  are  all  sinful  and  guilty !  We  have  turned  every 
one  to  his  own  way.  We  would  give  thee  the  glory  by 
an  ingenuous  and  free  confession  that  in  many  things  we 
have  all  offended  thee.  From  our  youth  up,  even  till  now, 
we  have  been  in  a  great  trespass. 

We  dare  not  justify  ourselves  in  thy  sight,  for  if  we 
should  attempt  it,  even  our  own  mouths  wTould  condemn 
us.  We  have  omitted  to  perform  many  plain  duties.  We 
have  done  many  things  for  which  our  consciences  justly 
accuse  us.  All  our  righteousness  is  defiled.  All  our 
prayers  and  services  are  polluted. 

Yet  spare  us  good  Lord,  spare  us  according  to  thy 
great  compassion  and  thy  tender  mercy.  Lord  God  of 
our  salvation,  it  is  thy  gracious  promise  on  which  our 
souls  rely,  that  if  we  confess  our  sins,  thou  art  faithful  and 
just  to  forgive  us  our  sins,  and  to  cleanse  us  from  all  un- 
righteousness. We  now  confess  pur  sins  and  ask  that 
they  may  be  forgiven,  and  that  our  souls  may  be  purified 
from  sin.  We  plead  thy  justice,  for  Jesus  bore  our  sins 
in  his  own  body  on  the  tree.  We  plead  thy  faithfulness, 
according  to  thy  many  precious  promises.  Let  us  now 
by  faith  obtain  those  promises. 

Cleanse,  we  beseech  thee,  the  thoughts  of  our  nearts, 
11 


122  FAMILY  RELIGION. 

by  the  inspiration  of  thy  Holy  Spirit,  that  we  may  per- 
fectly love  thee,  and  worthily  magnify  thy  holy  name. 
Strengthen  us  for  the  duties  of  this  day.  Suffer  us  not 
to  be  tempted  above  what  we  are  able  to  bear ;  but  with 
every  temptation  make  a  way  to  escape.  Incline  and 
enable  us  to  walk  in  that  way. 

Hold  thou  up  our  goings  in  thy  paths,  that  our  footsteps 
slip  not.  Set  a  watch  before  our  mouths,  and  keep  the 
door  of  our  lips,  that  we  offend  not  with  our  tongue. 
May  we  always  speak  that  which  is  good  to  the  use  of 
edifying,  that  it  may  minister  grace  to  the  hearers.  En- 
able us  to  keep  our  heart  with  all  diligence,  seeing  that 
out  of  it  are  the  issues  of  life.  Increase  our  faith,  en- 
liven our  hope,  and  enlarge  our  charity,  that  we  may 
faithfully  serve  thee,  and  in  all  things  glorify  thy  holy 
name. 

We  pray  for  all  our  relatives  and  friends.  Give  them 
prosperity  both  of  body  and  soul.*  Grant  that  grace 
and  peace  may  be  multiplied  to  all  those  that  call  on  the 
Lord  Jesus  Christ,  their  Lord  and  ours.     Seek  and  save 

*When  any  member  of  the  family  is  sick,  add — 
We  particularly  commend  unto  thee  that  member  of  our  family 
now  in  affliction ;  may  faith,  patience,  submission  and  resignation  be 
granted  in  this  hour  of  trial,  and  in  thy  own  good  time  remove  the 
affliction.  And,  Lord,  grant  that  all  our  tribulations  here  below  may 
lead  us  to  look  at  the  things  which  are  above,  and  work  out  for  us  a 
far  more  exceeding  and  eternal  weight  of  glory.  Ever  give  us  a 
spirit  of  sympathy,  and  tender  feeling,  and  love  for  each  other ;  and 
may  we  be  always  ready  to  weep  with  those  that  weep,  and  rejoice 
with  those  that  rejoice. 

When  any  member  of  the  family  is  on  a  journey,  add — 
O  Lord,  we  beseech  thee,  regard  with  thy  favour,  protect  and  de- 
fend him  who  is  now  absent  from  us.  Take  him  under  thy  special 
care.  Preserve  him  from  every  temptation.  Prosper  him  in  his 
undertakings.  May  he  be  a  blessing  wherever  he  goes ;  and  bring 
him  in  health  and  peace  among  us  again,  that  we  may  together  have 
fresh  cause  to  praise  and  bless  thy  holy  name. 


FAMILY  PRAYER.  123 

the  lost  sheep  of  the  house  of  Israel.  Let  the  light  of 
life  shine  into  every  benighted  heart.  Increase,  especially 
among  the  people  of  this  nation,  the  number  of  those 
who  know,  and  love,  and  serve  thee.  Bless  our  rulers, 
and  guide  our  statesmen ;  teach  thy  ministers,  and  pros- 
per thy  people,  that  there  may  be  no  complaining  in  our 
streets;  and  that  it  may  be  said  of  us,  "  Happy  is  the 
people  that  is  in  such  a  case ;  yea,  happy  is  that  people 
whose  God  is  the  Lord." 

These  prayers  we  offer  up  in  the  name  and  through  the 
mediation  of  thy  Son  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord.     Amen. 

TUESDAY  EVENING.        Bickersteth. 

O  thou,  who  art  the  God  of  all  the  families  of  the 
earth,  who  didst  favourably  notice  Abraham's  command- 
ing his  children  and  his  household  after  him  to  keep  the 
way  of  the  Lord ;  be  thou  present  with  us  now,  and  en- 
able us  by  thy  Holy  Spirit,  and  through  thy  Son's  inter- 
cession, to  worship  thee  in  spirit  and  in  truth. 

We  come  before  thee  acknowledging  that  we  were  all 
born  in  sin,  the  children  of  wrath,  and  have  in  common 
a  corrupt  nature,  and  a  continual  propensity  to  depart 
from  thee.  And  O  how  often  have  we  offended  thee,  the 
God  of  all  the  earth,  by  actual  transgressions ! 

Even  in  the  day  that  is  past,  by  vain  thoughts,  by  idle 
words,  by  sinful  indulgences,  we  have  grieved  thy  Spirit, 
and  we  have  incurred  thy  displeasure.  Our  only  refuge 
is  in  thy  promised  mercy  in  Christ  Jesus.  We  cast  our- 
selves wholly  on  that  mercy.  Fixing  all  our  hopes  on 
our  Saviour  Jesus,  we  confess  our  guilt,  and  earnestly 
pray  that  his  blood  may  cleanse  us  from  all  sin. 

And  give  us,  we  beseech  thee,  the  comfortable  assu- 
rance that  our  sins  are  forgiven.  Let  thy  Holy  Spirit 
bear  witness  with  our  spirits  that  we  are  children  of  God. 


124  FAMILY  RELIGION. 

Plentifully  impart  to  us  the  gift  of  thy  Spirit,  that  we 
may  bring  forth  love,  joy,  peace,  gentleness,  goodness, 
meekness,  long-suffering,  forbearance  and  temperance. 
Grant  that  we  may  so  copy  the  example  of  our  Saviour, 
as  to  be  Epistles  of  Christ,  known  and  read  of  all  men ; 
and  have  clear  evidence  of  our  own  salvation.  Teach 
us  so  to  live,  that  we  may  glorify  thee  who  hast  bought 
us  with  a  price  of  such  amazing  value  as  the  blood  of 
thine  own  Son. 

O  that  all  now  kneeling  together  may  indeed  obtain 
mercy  in  Christ  Jesus,  be  passed  from  death  unto  life,  and 
love  and  serve  thee  unfeignedly.  But,  O  Lord,  how  cold 
is  our  love  to  thee  !  how  dead,  how  dull  are  our  hearts  ! 
Help  us  to  love  thee ;  to  love  God  with  all  our  strength. 
Shed  abroad  the  love  of  God  in  our  hearts,  by  giving  us 
the  Holy  Ghost ;  and  may  we  be  taught  of  God  to  love 
one  another.  Be  thou  present  with  us  in  our  more  re- 
tired devotions;  praying  in  our  closet,  to  our  Father 
which  is  in  secret,  may  we  find  his  presence  and  blessing 
there. 

Bless,  O  Lord,  all  that  are  near  and  dear  to  us.  Many 
beloved  relatives  and  friends  are  now  absent  from  us; 
but  thou  art  with  them,  and  all  their  wants  are  known  to 
thee.  Give  them  thy  grace,  ever  guide  them  here  by 
thy  counsel,  and  may  none  of  them  be  wanting  in  thy 
heavenly  kingdom. 

We  pray  for  all  in  authority ;  Lord,  may  their  counsels 
be  so  ordered  by  thee  as  may  be  most  for  the  good  of  our 
country. 

Give,  we  beseech  thee,  to  all  the  ministers  of  Jesus 
Christ,  everywhere,  true  knowledge  and  understanding 
of  thy  word ;  and  may  they  set  it  form  in  their  lives  ac- 
cordingly. Make  them  wise  to  win,  souls.  Lord,  call 
forth  and  send  out  many  faithful  labourers  to  the  work 
of  the  ministry.     Bring  it  to  pass  that  the  distant  isles 


FAMILY  PRAYER.  125 

shall  wait  on  thee,  and  the  Gentiles  come  to  thy  light 
Bless  every  Society  established  for  benefiting  the  bodies 
or  the  souls  of  men,  and  especially  those  in  which  we  are 
more  immediately  engaged  and  interested. 

Thanks  be  unto  thee,  Holy  Lord  God,  for  all  thy  good- 
ness towards  us.  How  multiplied  are  thy  mercies  every 
day  !  How  excellent  is  thy  loving  kindness  !  We  bless 
thee  for  all  thy  long-suffering  and  forbearance  towards 
us.  We  bless  thee  for  the  infinite  mercies  of  redeeming 
love.  We  bless  thee  for  the  knowledge  of  thy  salvation, 
and  for  the  light  of  thy  truth ;  for  protection  from  every 
danger  during  the  night,  and  provision  for  all  our  wants 
by  day.  Thou  hast  spread  our  table  with  food,  and  thou 
givest  us  every  needful  good.  Accept  these  our  prayers 
and  our  praises,  which  we  offer  up  in  and  through  Jesus 
Christ,  our  only  Mediator  and  Advocate.     Amen. 

WEDNESDAY  MORNING.  Swete. 

*  O  thou  whose  name  alone  is  Jehovah,  and  who  art  the 
most  high  over  all  the  earth,  thou  art  righteous  in  all  thy 
ways,  and  holy  in  all  thy  works ;  yet,  forasmuch  as  we 
have  a  great  high  Priest,  that  is  passed  into  the  heavens, 
Jesus  the  Son  of  God,  we  would  come  with  boldness  unto 
the  throne  of  grace,  that  we  may  obtain  mercy,  and  find 
grace  to  help  in  time  of  need.  Lord,  we  know  not  what 
we  should  pray  for  as  we  ought ;  oh !  let  the  Holy  Spirit 
help  our  infirmities,  and  make  intercession  for  us  with 
groanings  which  can  not  be  uttered. 

It  is  of  thy  mercies,  O  God,  that  we  are  not  consumed, 
because  thy  compassions  fail  not ;  they  are  new  every 
morning;  great  is  thy  faithfulness.  But  to  us  belong 
shame  and  confusion  of  face,  because  we  have  sinned 
against  thee.  We  know  that  if  we  say  we  have  no  sin, 
we  deceive  ourselves,  and  the  truth  is  not  in  us;  but  thy 

11  * 


126  FAMILY  RELIGION. 

word  assures  us  that  if  we  confess  our  sins,  thou  art  faith- 
ful and  just  to  forgive  us  our  sins,  and  to  cleanse  us  from 
all  unrighteousness. 

We  now,  O  Lord,  acknowledge  our  transgressions,  and 
would  set  our  sins  before  us.  We  acknowledge  that  we 
have  within  us  a  carnal  mind,  which  is  enmity  against 
thee, — that  our  souls  cleave  unto  the  dust, — and  that  out 
of  the  evil  treasure  of  our  hearts  we  have  brought  forth 
many  evil  things.  We  acknowledge  that  we  have  fol- 
lowed after  lying  vanities,  and  that  whilst  we  have  made 
provision  for  the  flesh  to  fulfil  the  lusts  thereof,  loving  this 
present  evil  world,  we  have  forsaken  the  fountain  of  liv- 
ing waters,  for  cisterns,  broken  cisterns,  that  can  hold  no 
w7ater.  We  acknowledge  that  we  have  been  verily  guilty 
concerning  our  brethren,  for  the  bowels  of  our  compassion 
have  often  been  shut  up  from  those  that  were  in  need,  and 
instead  of  following  after  the  things  which  make  for 
peace,  and  things  wherewith  one  may  edify  another,  we 
have  sat  in  judgment  upon  others,  not  considering  our- 
selves, lest  we  also  be  tempted.  We  acknowledge  also 
our  pride,  and  our  evil  heart  of  unbelief  the  source  of  all 
our  sins,  which  incline  us  to  depart  from  the  living  God ; 
we  have  not  walked  humbly  with  thee,  our  God — but 
have  leaned  to  our  own  understanding,  and  have  gone 
about  to  establish  our  own  righteousness,  and  have  not 
submitted  ourselves  unto  the  righteousness  of  God. 

And  now,  O  our  God,  what  shall  we  say  after  this? 
For  we  have  forsaken  thy  commandments.  Against  thee, 
thee  only,  have  we  sinned  and  done  this  evil  in  thy  sight ; 
but,  O  Lord,  cast  us  not  away  from  thy  presence,  take 
not  thy  Holy  Spirit  from  us.  Give  us  a  new  heart,  a 
broken  and  a  contrite  heart,  which  thou  wilt  not  despise. 
Enable  us  to  cry  in  the  spirit  of  the  publican,  God  be 
merciful  to  us  sinners :  and  O  Lord,  justify  us  freely  by 
thy  grace,  through  the  redemption  that  is  in  Christ  Jesus. 


FAMILY  PRAYER.  127 

In  Him  we  believe,  O  help  thou  our  unbelief.  With  Tho- 
mas may  we  adore  Him  as  our  Lord  and  our  God — with 
Paul  may  we  "  count  all  things  but  loss  for  the  excellency 
of  the  knowledge  of  Christ  Jesus  our  Lord,  and  be  found 
in  him," — with  Peter  may  we  with  sincerity  say,  "  To 
whom  shall  we  go  1  Thou,  Lord,  hast  the  words  of  eter- 
nal life," — with  the  beloved  disciple  may  we  ascribe 
"  Unto  him  that  loved  us  and  washed  us  from  our  sins  in 
his  own  blood,  to  him  be  glory  and  dominion  for  ever  and 
ever.     Amen." 

Remember  us,  O  Lord,  with  the  favour  that  thou  bear- 
est  unto  thy  people  ;  O  visit  us  with  thy  salvation.  We 
ask  not  riches,  wealth,  or  honour,  nor  the  life  of  our  ene- 
mies. We  would  seek  after  the  kingdom  of  God  and  his 
righteousness,  and  all  those  things  which  accompany 
salvation.  Feed  us  with  food  convenient  for  us.  In 
every  time  of  trouble  we  would  make  the  Lord  our 
refuge,  and  cast  all  our  care  upon  thee,  who  carest  for 
us.  O  Lord,  bless  us,  we  beseech  thee,  with  all  spiritual 
blessings  in  heavenly  things  in  Christ  Jesus.  Open  our 
understandings  that  we  may  understand  the  Scriptures. 
Let  the  word  of  Christ  dwell  in  us  richly  in  all  wisdom. 
May  we  not  be  carried  about  with  divers  and  strange 
doctrines,  but  may  our  hearts  be  established  with  thy 
grace.  May  the  Spirit  of  Truth  guide  us  into  all  truth, 
and  cause  us  to  hold  fast  the  form  of  sound  words 
which  we  have  heard,  in  faith  and  love  which  is  in  Christ 
Jesus.  May  the  Holy  Ghost  shed  abroad  in  our  hearts 
the  love  of  God  our  Redeemer,  and  fill  us  with  all  joy 
and  peace  in  believing.  And  may  he  enable  us  to  walk 
worthy  of  the  vocation  wherewith  we  are  called,  with 
all  lowliness  and  meekness,  with  long  suffering,  forbear- 
ing one  another  in  love ;  endeavouring  to  keep  the  unity 
of  the  Spirit  in  the  bond  of  peace.  Let  thy  word,  O 
Lord,  be  hid  in  our  hearts,  that  we  may  not  sin  against 


128  FAMILY  RELIGION. 

thee;  and  make  us  zealously  affected  in  every  good 
cause.  May  we  be  steadfast  and  unmoveable,  always 
abounding  in  the  work  of  the  Lord,  forasmuch  as  we 
know  that  our  labour  is  not  in  vain  in  the  Lord.  And 
may  we  grow  in  the  grace  and  in  the  knowledge  of  our 
Lord  and  Saviour  Jesus  Christ,  fervent  in  spirit,  serving 
the  Lord:  rejoicing  in  hope,  patient  in  tribulation,  con- 
tinuing instant  in  prayer,  looking  for  that  blessed  hope  and 
the  glorious  appearing  of  the  great  God  and  our  Saviour 
Jesus  Christ,  when  he  shall  come  to  be  glorified  in  his 
saints,  and  to  be  admired  in  all  them  that  believe.  We 
ask  all  these  mercies  in  that  name  which  is  above  every 
name,  even  the  name  of  Jesus,  who  hath  taught  us  when 
we  pray,  to  say,  Our  Father,  fyc. 

WEDNESDAY  EVENING.  Ed. 

O  thou  eternal  and  unchangeable  God,  thou  art  the 
same  yesterday,  to-day,  and  for  ever :  by  thine  almighty 
power  and  providential  care  we  have  been  preserved  an- 
other day,  and  through  thy  grace,  permitted  once  more 
to  approach  thee  in  prayer.  We  are  thine,  for  thou  hast 
made  us  for  thy  glory.  We  are  not  our  own,  for  we 
have  been  bought  with  a  price.  Help  us  to  consecrate 
ourselves  and  all  that  we  have  and  are  to  thee.  Ena- 
ble us  to  glorify  thee  in  our  bodies  and  spirits,  which  are 
thine. 

We  render  thee  thanks  for  the  mercies  which  have  fol- 
lowed us  to  the  present  hour.  Bless  the  Lord,  O  our  souls, 
and  forget  not  all  his  benefits. 

Enable  us,  by  thy  grace,  to  show  forth  thy  praise  in  a 
holy  and  consistent  walk  and  conversation.  May  we  let 
our  light  so  shine,  that  others  seeing  our  good  works, 
may  glorify  our  Father  who  is  in  heaven. 

With  an  acknowledgment,  of  thy  mercies,  O  Lord,  we 


FAMILY  PRAYER.  129 

would  confess  our  multiplied  offences  against  thee,  our 
innumerable  transgressions  of  thy  holy  law,  and  our  ag- 
gravated sins  of  omission  and  commission.  We  are 
guilty  in  thy  sight.  We  deserve  thy  wrath.  But,  O  most 
merciful  Father,  for  the  sake  of  thy  Son  Jesus  Christ, 
pardon  our  iniquities,  justify  us  freely  on  account  of  his 
righteousness,  and  accept  us  graciously  in  thy  beloved. 
Wash  us  in  that  fountain  which  was  opened  in  the  house 
of  David  for  sin  and  uncleanness.  Sprinkle  us  with 
atoning  blood.  Create  within  us  clean  hearts,  and  renew 
within  us  right  spirits.  Vouchsafe  to  us  the  grace  of  thy 
spirit,  that  being  enlightened,  strengthened,  and  sanctified 
by  the  same,  we  may  depart  from  all  iniquity,  and  adorn 
the  doctrine  of  God  our  Saviour  in  all  things. 

Almighty  God,  visit  in  mercy  and  with  salvation,  the 
congregation  of  worshipping  Christians,with  which  we  are 
connected.  Make  bare  thine  arm  for  the  salvation  of 
sinners,  and  give  abundant  success  to  the  ministration  of 
the  word  and  ordinances  among  us.  To  this  end,  revive 
thy  work  in  the  hearts  of  thine  own  children,  and  plen- 
teously  endue  thy  servant,  our  pastor,  with  wisdom  and 
grace  from  on  high,  that  he  may  rightly  divide  the  word 
of  life,  and  faithfully  discharge  the  duties  of  his  office. 
May  the  young  be  trained  in  the  nurture  and  admonition 
of  the  Lord,  that  they  may  remember  their  Creator  in 
the  days  of  their  youth. 

Bless  all  thy  ministering  servants  and  thy  church  uni- 
versal, with  an  abundant  outpouring  of  thy  Holy  Spirit, 
and  with  a  time  of  refreshing  from  the  presence  of  the 
Lord.  Put  an  end  to  all  vice,  heresy,  and  schism,  and  let 
the  knowledge  of  the  glory  of  the  Lord  cover  the  earth, 
as  the  waters  cover  the  seas. 

Regard  in  tender  mercy  and  compassion,  O  Lord  God, 
our  absent  relations  and  friends.  Make  them,  by  thy 
grace,  the  children  of  thine  adoption,  and  heirs  of  eter- 


130  FAMILY  RELIGION. 

nal  life.  Heal  the  sick,  and  comfort  the  afflicted.  Give 
strength  to  the  weak,  succour  to  the  tempted,  encourage- 
ment to  the  desponding,  faith  to  the  unbelieving,  and  need- 
ed grace  to  all. 

To  thy  watchful  care  and  kind  protection,  O  thou 
Keeper  of  Israel,  we  commend  our  bodies  and  souls  this 
night  Preserve  us  from  all  evil;  grant  us  refreshing 
sleep ;  and,  if  consistent  with  thy  divine  will,  permit  us 
in  health  and  comfort  to  behold  and  enjoy  the  light  of  an- 
other day.  Have  mercy,  O  thou  compassionate  God,  on 
ail  who  shall  this  night  sleep  the  sleep  of  death.  Give 
grace  to  them  that  are  appointed  to  die,  that  they  may 
find  peace  in  believing,  and  salvation  in  the  atoning  sacri- 
fice of  thy  son  Jesus  Christ. 

Hear  us,  O  Lord,  in  these  our  humble  petitions.  Ac- 
cept our  thanksgivings  and  praise,  and  graciously  own 
and  accept  us,  through  Jesus  Christ  our  Redeemer. 
Amen. 

THURSDAY  MORNING.  Jenks. 

O  Lord  God,  that  hearest  prayer,  and  art  nigh  to  all 
that  call  upon  thee  in  truth,  having  thine  ears  open  to  a 
world  of  creatures,  that  continually  depend  upon  thee ! 
As  we  are  moved  by  our  own  necessities,  so  are  we 
encouraged  by  the  daily  experience  of  thy  mercies,  still 
to  shelter  ourselves  under  the  shadow  of  thy  wings,  and 
to  continue  our  suits  and  supplications  at  the  throne  of 
thy  grace.  And  we  beg  of  thee,  who  fashioneth  all  the 
iiearts  of  the  sons  of  men,  that  thou  wilt  prepare  our 
hearts  to  come  into  thy  holy  presence  and  to  call  upon 
thy  blessed  name,  in  a  due  and  acceptable  manner.  O 
pour  upon  us  the  spirit  of  grace  and  of  supplications ;  and 
let  thy  good  Spirit  help  our  infirmities,  and  teach  us  to 
pray,  and  to  ask  such  things,  and  in  such  a  way,  as  shall 


FAMILY  PRAYER.  131 

be  most  agreeable  to  thy  will,  and  most  advantageous  to 
our  souls.  ,v 

For  we,  who  are  but  poor  worms,  and  sinful  dust  and 
ashes,  that  have  too  much  cause  to  be  afraid,  lest  our 
great  and  manifold  sins  have  provoked  thee  to  hide  thy 
face  from  us,  and  to  shut  up  thy  loving  kindness  in  dis- 
pleasure against  us,  have  taken  upon,  us  to  speak  unto 
thee,  the  Sovereign  Majesty  of  heaven  and  earth.  For 
we  have  done  foolishly  and  wickedly,  in  not  hearkening 
to  the  calls  of  thy  word,  nor  yielding  to  the  monitions  of 
thy  Spirit,  to  walk  in  the  ways  which  thou  hast  set  before 
us.  Our  iniquities  are  increased  over  our  heads,  our  tres- 
passes are  grown  even  up  to  heaven,  and  our  sins  are  a 
sore  burden,  too  grievous  and  heavy  for  us  to  bear.  And 
O  Lord,  shouldst  thou  enter  into  judgment  with  us,  we 
could  not  answer  thee  for  one  of  a  thousand ;  but  must 
lay  our  hands  upon  our  mouths,  and  plead  nothing  but 
guilty,  having  our  whole  dependence  upon  thy  mercy. 

O  God,  be  merciful  to  us,  miserable  sinners,  for  his 
sake,  whom  thou  hast  exalted  to  be  a  Prince  and  a  Sa- 
viour, to  give  repentance  toothy  people,  and  forgiveness 
of  their  sins ;  be  merciful  to  us,  we  pray  thee,  and  heal 
our  souls,  that  have  greatly  sinned  against  thee.  O  heal 
our  backslidings,  renew  us  to  true  repentance,  establish 
our  hearts  in  thy  true  fear  and  love,  and  establish  our 
goings  in  thy  holy  ways ;  that  we  may  not  be  so  waver- 
ing and  bent  to  backsliding,  nor  revolt  from  thee  to  turn 
to  folly,  after  thou  in  mercy  hast  spoken  peace  to  our 
souls ;  but  may  go  on  conquering  and  to  conquer  all  the 
enemies  of  our  souls,  and  all  the  hinderances  of  our  sal- 
vation, till  Satan  be  bruised  under  our  feet. 

O  thou  God  of  all  grace !  bring  such  thoughts  to  our 
minds,  and  lay  such  considerations  home  powerfully  upon 
our  hearts,  as  thou  knowest  most  effectual  to  prevail  with 
us,  to  work  in  us  thy  will,  and  to  keep  us  from  our  ini 


132  FAMILY  RELIGION. 

quity  within  the  bounds  of  our  duty,  till  thou  receive  us 
into  the  blessed  kingdom  of  thy  glory.  And,  in  the  mean 
time,  sanctify  to  us  all  thy  dealings  with  us ;  and  bless  us 
in  all  our  undertakings,  and  in  all  our  conditions,  enjoy- 
ments, and  relations.  Make  us  humble  in  a  high  estate, 
contented  in  a  low,  and  still  duly  careful  of  our  souls  in 
all ;  following  after  the  things  now  which  will  bring  us 
true  peace  and  comfort  at  the  last. 

Dispose  of  us,  we  beseech  thee,  our  God,  and  of  all  that 
concerns  us  this  day,  to  the  glory  of  thy  name.  O  keep 
us  at  all  times,  and  in  all  places  and  companies,  from  the 
evil  of  sin,  and  from  all  other  evils,  to  which  the  great- 
ness of  our  sins  makes  us  liable.  And  take  thou,  O  hea- 
venly Father,  the  gracious  charge,  and  guidance,  and  go- 
vernment of  us ;  and  so  lead  us  here  in  all  our  ways, 
with  thy  counsel,  that  hereafter  thou  mayest  receive  us 
into  thy  glory ;  through  thy  tender  mercies,  and  our  Sa- 
viour's abundant  merits :  in  whose  name,  we  beg  all  things 
needful  for  ourselves  and  others,  at  thy  hands. 
Our  Father  which  art  in  heaven,  fyc. 

THURSDAY  EVENING.  Sicetc. 

O  Lord,  thou  art  worthy  to  receive  glory,  and  honour, 
and  power :  for  thou  hast  created  all  things,  arid  for  thy 
pleasure  they  are  and  were  created.  Every  day  will  we 
bless  thee,  and  praise  thy  name  for  ever  and  ever.  For 
it  is  a  good  thing  to  give  thanks  unto  the  Lord,  and  to 
sing  praises  unto  thy  name,  O  Most  High ;  to  show  forth 
thy  loving  kindness  in  the  morning,  and  thy  faithfulness 
every  night. 

We  praise  thee  for  our  many  temporal  blessings.  In 
thee  we  live  and  move  and  have  our  being.  We  lay 
ourselves  down  and  sleep,  for  thou  Lord  dost  sustain  us. 
Thou  dost  preserve  us  in  our  going  out  and  at  our  com- 


FAMILY  PRAYER.  133 

ing  in,  and  sufferest  no  evil  to  befall  us,  nor  any  plague  to 
come  nigh  our  dwelling.  Thou  feedest  us  with  food  con- 
venient for  us,  and  givest  us  richly  all  things  to  enjoy. 

But  we  praise  thee  more  especially  for  all  our  spiritual 
blessings.  We  bless  thee,  O  Lord,  for  that  faithful  say- 
ing, which  is  worthy  of  all  acceptation,  that  Christ  Jesus 
came  into  the  world  to  save  sinners;  we  give  thanks  to 
thee  that  thou  hast  laid  on  him  the  iniquity  of  us  all, — 
that  in  him  we  have  redemption  through  his  blood,  the 
forgiveness  of  sins,  according  to  the  riches  of  his  grace, 
— that  he  ever  liveth  to  make  intercession  for  us, — that 
his  grace  is  sufficient  for  us  — and  that  he  hath  left  us 
an  example,  that  we  should  follow  his  steps.  We  praise 
thee  for  the  promise  of  the  Holy  Spirit,  whose  office  it  is 
to  convince  us  of  sin,  to  testify  of  the  Saviour,  to  shed 
abroad  his  love  in  our  hearts,  and  to  fill  us  with  all  joy 
and  peace  in  believing.  We  praise  thee  also  for  the  Holy 
Scriptures,  and  for  permitting  us  to  hear  in  our  own 
tongue  thy  wonderful  works,  for  giving  unto  us  thy  holy 
Sabbaths,  for  sending  to  us  the  word  of  salvation,  and  for 
enabling  us  to  enjoy  the  ordinances  of  thy  holy  sanctuary, 
none  making  us  afraid. 

And  O  thou  God  of  salvation,  if  we  have  been  trans- 
lated out  of  darkness  into  the  kingdom  of  thy  dear  Son, 
— if  the  Gospel  has  come  to  us  not  only  in  word,  but  in 
power  and  in  the  Holy  Ghost,  and  in  much  assurance, — 
if  we  have  been  made  joyful  in  thy  house  of  prayer, — 
if  Christ  has  been  formed  in  our  hearts  the  hope  of  glory, 
if  sin  reigns  not  in  our  mortal  body  that  we  should  obey 
it  in  the  lusts  thereof,  but  we  are  yielding  ourselves  unto 
God,  as  those  that  are  alive  from  the  dead, — if  Jesus  is 
precious  unto  us,  and  his  love  doth  constrain  us  to  adorn 
the  doctrine  of  God  our  Saviour  in  all  things : — then  will 
we  glorify  and  praise  thee,  saying,  Not  unto  us,  O  Lord, 
not  unto  us,  but  unto  thy  name  give  glory,  for  thy  mercy 

12 


134  FAMILY  RELIGION. 

and  for  thy  truth's  sake  !  What  shall  we  render  unto  the 
Lord  for  all  his  benefits  towards  us  ?  We  will  take  the 
cup  of  sanation,  and  call  upon  the  name  of  the  Lord ! 

O  God,  the  God  of  the  Spirits  of  all  flesh,  we  would 
now  make  our  prayers  unto  thee  for  all  men,  for  the  Presi- 
dent of  the  United  States,  and  for  all  that  are  in  author- 
ity, that  we  may  lead  a  quiet  and  peaceable  life  in  all 
godliness  and  honesty.  Let  mercy  and  truth  preserve 
our  land,  and  let  our  government  be  established  in  right- 
eousness. Let  violence  no  more  be  heard  in  our  land, 
wasting  nor  destruction  within  our  borders,  but  let  our 
walls  be  called  salvation,  and  our  gates  praise. 

Bless  thy  servants,  to  whom  thou  hast  committed  the 
ministry  of  reconciliation.  Make  them  mighty  in  the 
Scriptures.  Let  utterance  be  given  to  them,  that  they 
may  open  their  mouths  boldly,  to  make  known  the  mys- 
tery of  the  Gospel,  and  to  preach  the  unsearchable  riches 
of  Christ.  Let  them  be  an  example  to  the  believers,  in 
word,  in  conversation,  in  charity,  in  spirit,  in  faith,  in 
purity.  May  they  be  instant  in  season  and  out  of  season  ; 
in  meekness  instructing  those  that  oppose  themselves ;  if 
God  peradventure  will  give  them  repentance  to  the  ac- 
knowledging of  the  truth.  O  thou  Lord  of  the  harvest, 
we  pray  thee,  that  thou  wilt  send  forth  labourers  into 
thine  harvest,  and  as  it  is  thou  alone  that  givest  the  in- 
crease, we  beseech  thee  that  thy  hand  may  be  with  thy 
servants,  that  great  numbers  may  believe  and  turn  unto 
thee.  May  grace  be  with  all  them  that  love  our  Lord 
Jesus  Christ  in  sincerity.  Bless  them  with  all  spiritual 
blessings  in  heavenly  things  in  Christ ;  and  being  washed 
and  justified,  and  sanctified  in  the  name  of  the  Lord 
Jesus,  and  by  the  Spirit  of  our  God,  may  thy  peace  rule 
in  their  hearts,  and  may  they  increase  and  abound  in  love 
one  toward  another  and  toward  all  men. 

And,  O  thou  Saviour  of  the  world,  who  art  sent  to  be 


FAMILY  PRAYER.  135 

a  light,  to  lighten  the  Gentiles,  and  the  glory  of  thy  peo- 
ple Israel ;  have  respect  unto  the  covenant,  for  the  dark 
places  of  the  earth  are  full  of  the  habitations  of  cruelty. 
O  let  thy  salvation  and  thy  righteousness  be  openly  showed 
in  the  sight  of  the  heathen,  and  let  all  the  ends  of  the 
earth  see  the  salvation  of  our  God.  From  the  rising  of 
the  sun,  even  unto  the  going  down  of  the  same,  let  thy 
name  be  great  among  the  Gentiles.  And,  O  Lord,  we 
pray  to  thee  for  the  peace  of  Jerusalem.  Our  hearts' 
desire,  for  Israel,  is,  that  they  may  be  saved.  Let  the 
veil  that  is  upon  their  hearts  be  taken  away,  that  they 
may  turn  unto  the  Lord  ;  and  according  to  thy  promise, 
pour  upon  them  the  spirit  of  grace  and  of  supplication, 
that  they  may  look  upon  him  whom  they  have  pierced, 
and  mourn.  And  O  hasten  the  time,  when  Zion  shall 
rise  and  shine,  because  her  light  is  come,  and  the  glory 
of  the  Lord  is  risen  upon  her. 

And  now  O  Lord,  what  wait  we  for  ?  our  hope  is  in 
thee.  Thou  art  our  refuge  and  our  fortress,  our  God,  in 
thee  will  we  trust.  Help  us  to  cast  all  our  care  upon 
thee,  who  carest  for  us.  Let  thy  goodness  and  mercy 
follow  us  all  the  days  of  our  life,  and  being  guided  by 
thy  counsel  may  we  afterwards  be  received  up  into  glory. 

Now  unto  him,  that  is  able  to  do  exceeding  abundantly 
above  all  that  we  can  ask  or  think,  according  to  the 
power  that  worketh  in  us,  unto  him  be  glory  in  the  church 
by  Christ  Jesus,  throughout  all  ages,  world  without  end. 
Amen. 

FRIDAY  MORNING.  Com.  Pr. 

Our  Father,  who  art  in  heaven,  hallowed  be  thy  name  ; 
thy  kingdom  come  ;  thy  will  be  done  on  earth,  as  it  is  in 
heaven;  give  us  this  day  our  daily  bread  ;  and  forgive  us 
our  trespasses,  as  we  forgive  those  who  trespass  against 
us ;  and  lead  us  not  into  temptation ;  but  deliver  us  from 


136  FAMILY  RELIGION. 

evil ;  for  thine  is  the  kingdom,  and  the  power,  and  the 
glory,  for  ever  and  ever.    Amen. 

Almighty  and  everlasting  God,  in  whom  we  live  and 
move  and  have  our  being ;  we,  thy  needy  creatures,  ren- 
der thee  our  humble  praises,  for  thy  preservation  of  us 
from  the  beginning  of  our  lives  to  this  day,  and  especially 
for  having  delivered  us  from  the  dangers  of  the  past 
night.  To  thy  watchful  providence  we  owe  it,  that  no 
disturbance  hath  come  nigh  us  or  our  dwelling ;  but,  that 
we  are  brought  in  safety  to  the  beginning  of  this  day. 
For  these  thy  mercies,  we  bless  and  magnify  thy  glori- 
ous name;  humbly  beseeching  thee  to  accept  this  our 
morning  sacrifice  of  praise  and  thanksgiving ;  for  his 
sake  who  lay  down  in  the  grave,  and  rose  again  for  us, 
thy  Son  our  Saviour  Jesus  Christ.     Amen. 

And  since  it  is  of  thy  mercy,  O  gracious  Father,  that 
another  day  is  added  to  our  lives ;  we  here  dedicate  both 
our  souls  and  our  bodies  to  thee  and  thy  service,  in  a 
sober,  righteous,  and  godly  life ;  in  which  resolution,  do 
thou,  O  merciful  God,  confirm,  and  strengthen  us ;  that, 
as  we  grow  in  age,  we  may  grow  in  grace,  and  in  the 
knowledge  of  our  Lord  and  Saviour,  Jesus  Christ.    Amen. 

But,  O  God,  who  knowest  the  weakness  and  corruption 
of  our  nature,  and  the  manifold  temptations  which  we 
daily  meet  with ;  we  humbly  beseech  thee  to  have  com- 
passion on  our  infirmities,  and  to  give  us  the  constant  as- 
sistance of  thy  Holy  Spirit;  that  we  may  be  effectually 
restrained  from  sin,  and  excited  to  our  duty.  Imprint 
upon  our  hearts  such  a  dread  of  thy  judgments,  and  such 
a  grateful  sense  of  thy  goodness  to  us,  as  may  make  us 
both  afraid  and  ashamed  to  offend  thee.  And,  above  all, 
keep  in  our  minds  a  lively  remembrance  of  that  great 
day,  in  which  we  must  give  a  strict  account  of  our 
thoughts,  words,  and  actions ;  and  according  to  the 
works  done  in  the  body,  be  eternalbr  rewarded  c^  p*w 


FAMILY  PRAYER.  137 

ished,  by  him  whom  thou  hast  appointed  the  judge  of 
quick  and  dead,  thy  Son,  Jesus  Christ,  our  Lord.  Amen. 
In  particular,  we  implore  thy  grace  and  protection  for 
the  ensuing  day.  Keep  us  temperate  in  our  meats  and 
drinks,  and  diligent  in  our  several  callings.  Grant  us 
patience  under  any  afflictions  thou  shall  see  fit  to  lay  on 
us,  and  minds  always  contented  with  our  present  condi- 
tion. Give  us  grace  to  be  just  and  upright  in  all  our  deal- 
ings ;  quiet  and  peaceable ;  full  of  compassion ;  and  rea- 
dy to  do  good  to  all  men,  according  to  our  abilities  and 
opportunities.  Direct  us  in  all  our  ways,  and  prosper  the 
works  of  our  hands  in  the  business  of  our  several  sta- 
tions. Defend  us  from  all  dangers  and  adversities;  and 
be  graciously  pleased  to  take  us,  and  all  things  belonging 
to  us,  under  thy  fatherly  care  and  protection.  These 
things,"  and  whatever  else  thou  shalt  see  necessary  and 
convenient  to  us,  we  humbly  beg  through  the  merits  and 
mediation  of  thy  Son  Jesus  Christ,  our  Lord  and  Sa- 
viour.    Amen. 


FRIDAY  EVENING.  Com.  Pr. 

Our  Father,  who  art  in  heaven,  hallowed  be  thy  name; 
thy  kingdom  come ;  thy  will  be  done  on  earth,  as  it  is  in 
heaven ;  give  us  this  day  our  daily  bread ;  and  forgive  us 
our  trespasses,  as  we  forgive  those  who  trespass  against 
us ;  and  lead  us  not  into  temptation ;  but  deliver  us  from 
evil ;  for  thine  is  the  kingdom,  and  the  power,  and  the 
glory,  for  ever  and  ever.     Amen. 

Most  merciful  God,  who  art  of  purer  eyes  than  to  be- 
hold iniquity,  and  hast  promised  forgiveness  to  all  those 
who  confess  and  forsake  their  sins,  we  come  before  thee 
in  an  humble  sense  of  our  own  unworthiness,  acknow- 
ledging our  manifold  transgressions  of  thy  righteous 
laws.     But,   O   gracious   Father,  who  desirest  not  the 

12* 


138  FAMILY  RELIGION. 

death  of  a  sinner,  100k  upon  us,  we  beseech  thee,  in  mercy 
and  forgive  us  all  our  transgressions.  Make  us  deeply 
sensible  of  the  great  evil  of  them ;  and  work  in  us  an 
hearty  contrition  ;  that  we  may  obtain  forgiveness  at  thy 
hands,  who  art  ever  ready  to  receive  humble  and  penitent 
sinners ;  for  the  sake  of  thy  Son  Jesus  Christ,  our  only 
Saviour  and  Redeemer.     Amen. 

And  lest,  through  our  own  frailty,  or  the  temptations 
which  encompass  us,  we  be  drawn  again  into  sin,  vouch- 
safe us,  we  beseech  thee,  the  direction  and  assistance  of 
thy  Holy  Spirit.  Reform  whatsoever  is  amiss  in  the  tem- 
per and  disposition  of  our  souls ;  that  no  unclean  thoughts, 
unlawful  designs,  or  inordinate  desires  may  rest  there. 
Purge  our  hearts  from  envy,  hatred,  and  malice ;  that  we 
may  never  suffer  the  sun  to  go  down  upon  our  wrath ; 
but  may  always  go  to  our  rest  in  peace,  charity  and  good 
will,  with  a  conscience  void  of  offence  towards  thee  and 
towards  men :  that  so,  we  may  be  preserved  pure  and 
blameless,  unto  the  coming  of  our  Lord  and  Saviour 
Jesus  Christ.     Amen. 

And  accept,  O  Lord,  our  intercessions  for  all  mankind. 
Let  the  light  of  thy  gospel  shine  upon  all  nations,  and 
may  as  many  as  have  received  it,  live  as  becomes  it.  Be 
gracious  unto  thy  Church ;  and  grant  that  every  member 
of  the  same,  in  his  vocation  and  ministry,  may  serve 
thee  faithfully.  Bless  all  in  authority  over  us ;  and  so  rule 
their  hearts  and  strengthen  their  hands,  that  they  may 
punish  wickedness  and  vice,  and  maintain  thy  true  reli- 
gion and  virtue.  Send  down  thy  blessings,  temporal  and 
spiritual,  upon  all  our  relations,  friends,  and  neighbours. 
Reward  all  who  have  done  us  good,  and  pardon  all  those 
who  have  done  or  wish  us  evil,  and  give  them  repentance 
and  better  minds.  Be  merciful  to  all  who  are  in  any 
trouble ;  and  do  thou,  the  God  of  pity,  administer  to 
them  according  to  their  several  necessities,  for  his  sake, 


FAMILY  PRAYER.  139 

who  went  about  doing  good,  thy  Son*  our  Saviour  Jesus 
Christ*     Amen* 

To  our  prayers,  O  Lord,  we  join  our  unfeigned  thanks 
for  all  thy  mercies ;  for  our  being,  our  reason,  and  all 
other  endowments  and  faculties  of  soul  and  body ;  for  our 
health,  friends,  food  and  raiment,  and  all  the  other  com- 
forts and  conveniences  of  life.  Above  all,  we  adore  thy 
mercy  in  sending  thy  only  Son  into  the  wrorld  to  redeem 
us  from  sin  and  eternal  death,  and  in  giving  us  the  know- 
ledge and  sense  of  our  duty  towards  thee.  We  bless 
thee  for  thy  patience  with  us,  notwithstanding  our  many 
and  great  provocations  ;  for  all  the  directions,  assistances, 
and  comforts  of  thy  Holy  Spirit ;  for  thy  continual  care 
and  watchful  providence  over  us  through  the  wmole 
course  of  our  lives  ;  and  particularly  for  the  mercies  and 
benefits  of  the  past  day.  Beseeching  thee  to  continue 
these  thy  blessings  to  us ;  and  to  give  us  grace  to  show 
our  thankfulness  in  a  sincere  obedience  to  his  laws, 
through  whose  merits  and  intercession  we  received  them 
all,  thy  Son  our  Saviour,  Jesus  Christ.     Amen. 

In  particular,  we  beseech  thee  to  continue  thy  gracious 
protection  to  us  this  night.  Defend  us  from  all  dangers 
and  mischiefs,  and  from  the  fear  of  them ;  that  we  may 
enjoy  such  refreshing  sleep,  as  may  fit  us  for  the  duties 
of  the  following  day.  Make  us  ever  mindful  of  the  time 
when  we  shall  lie  down  in  the  dust;  and  grant  us  grace 
always  to  live  in  such  a  state,  that  we  may  never  be 
afraid  to  die ;  so  that  living  and  dying  we  may  be  thine, 
through  the  merits  and  satisfaction  of  thy  Son  Christ  Je- 
sus, in  whose  name  we  offer  up  these  our  imperfect 
prayers.     Amen. 


140  FAMILY  RELIGION. 


SATURDAY  MORNING.  Ed. 

Almighty  and  ever  blessed  God,  thou  whose  name 
alone  is  Jehovah,  art  the  Most  High  over  all  the  earth ; 
unto  thee  would  we  look  this  morning,  through  Christ  the 
Mediator,  as  unto  the  prayer  hearing  and  prayer  answer- 
ing God.  We  thank  thee  for  thy  merciful  protection 
during  the  past  night,  and  for  the  refreshing  sleep  which 
we  have  enjoyed.  We  laid  ourselves  dowTn  and  slept, 
and  rose  again  because  the  Lord  hath  sustained  us.  We 
thank  thee  for  the  light  of  another  day,  and  for  the  mea- 
sure of  health  with  which  we  are  permitted  to  behold  it, 
and  for  all  our  mercies  and  comforts.  But  above  all, 
we  bless  thee  for  the  light  of  the  Gospel,  and  for  the  gift 
of  him  who  is  the  light  of  the  world.  Grant  us,  we 
beseech  thee,  thy  Holy  Spirit,  to  enlighten  our  minds,  and 
to  sanctify  our  hearts,  that  we  may  perceive  Christ  to  be 
the  chiefest  among  ten  thousand,  and  the  one  altogether 
lovely ;  that  we  may  receive  him  by  faith,  as  the  Lord 
our  righteousness,  and  glorify  his  holy  name  by  a  godly 
wxalk  and  conversation. 

We  acknowledge  and  confess  our  manifold  sins  and 
transgressions.  We  have  strayed  from  thy  ways,  O  God, 
like  lost  sheep.  We  have  done  those  things  wrhich  we 
ought  not  to  have  done,  and  wre  have  left  undone  those 
things  wThich  wre  ought  to  have  done.  We  have  incurred 
thy  displeasure.  We  deserve  thy  wrath.  But  O  most 
gracious  Father,  have  mercy  upon  us.  Grant  us  true 
repentance  for  all  our  sins.  Look  thou  upon  us  in  the 
face  of  thine  Anointed,  and  forgive  us  all  our  trespasses, 
and  enable  us  by  thy  grace  to  adorn  the  doctrine  of  God, 
our  Saviour,  in  all  things. 

Preserve  us  this  day,  O  Lord,  from  all  evil,  and  defend 
us  from  every  danger  to  which  we  may  be  exposed. 


FAMILY  PRAYER.  141 

Give  us  a  due  sense  of  our  dependence  on  thee,  and  of 
our  indebtedness  to  thee,  for  every  good  gift  we  enjoy. 
Enable  us  this  day  to  resist  temptation,  and  overcome  the 
evil  desires  of  our  own  hearts.  May  we,  in  thy  strength, 
discharge  the  duties  incumbent  on  us,  and  do  thy  holy 
will  in  all  things.  May  we,  as  a  family,  be  devoted  to 
thy  service,  and  as  individuals,  may  we  be  the  objects  of 
thy  providential  care,  and  the  subjects  of  thy  saving 
grace. 

O  Heavenly  Father,  remember  in  mercy  our  absent 
relatives  and  friends.  May  they  be  interested  in  the  cove- 
nant of  redemption,  and  be  made  partakers  of  everlasting 
life.  May  their  lives  and  health  be  precious  in  thy  sight, 
and  consecrated  to  thy  service. 

Bless  all  for  whom  we  should  pray.  Have  mercy 
upon  all  men,  and  especially  the  sick  and  afflicted.  Heal 
and  comfort  them.  Relieve  them  according  to  their  ne- 
cessities. Give  them  patience  under  their  sufferings, 
humble  resignation  to  thy  will,  and  a  happy  deliverance 
from  all  their  pains  and  sorrows. 

Smile  graciously  upon  thy  church  universal,  and  give 
grace  to  all  who  minister  in  holy  things,  to  be  faithful  in 
the  same.  Let  thy  kingdom  soon  come.  From  the  rising 
of  the  sun  even  unto  the  going  down  of  the  same,  may 
thy  name  be  great  among  the  Gentiles;  and  in  every 
place  may  incense  be  offered  unto  thy  name,  and  a  pure 
offering ;  and  may  thy  name  be  great  among  the  heathen. 

"  Our  Father  who  art  in  heaven,"  &c. 

SATURDAY  EVENING.  Ed. 

O  thou  that  hearest  prayer,  unto  thee  shall  all  flesh 
come.  We,  thine  unworthy  servants,  would  now  come 
unto  thee.  We  would  worship,  and  bow  down,  and  kneel 
before  the  Lord  our  Maker.     Have  mercy  on  us,  and 


142  FAMILY  RELIGION. 

graciously  hearken  to  the  voice  of  our  supplication  We 
praise  thee,  O  God,  for  the  blessings  of  another  day  and 
another  week.  Through  thy  preserving  care  we  are 
spared  to  the  present  moment. 

Instead   of  lifting  up  the  voice  of  thanksgiving  and 
prayer,  we  justly  might  be  now  venting  our  fruitless  cries 
in  the  regions  of  despair  and  woe.     By  our  sins  we  have 
merited  thine  indignation ;  but  through  thy  forbearance 
and  grace,  we  are  still  continued  in  the  land  of  hope,  of 
privileges,  and  of  the  means  of  salvation.     Not  unto  us, 
but  unto  thy  name,  O  Lord,  be  all  the  praise  and  glory. 
Grant  us,  we  beseech  thee,  an  abiding  sense  of  our 
sinfulness  in  thy  sight,  and  true  repentance  for  the  same. 
May  we  be  abased  in  our  own  eyes  ;  and  glory  only  in 
the  Lord.   May  wre  rely,  for  pardon  and  acceptance,  upon 
the  perfect  righteousness  of  our  substitute   and   surety, 
Jesus  Christ,  and  not  go  about  to  establish  a  righteousness 
of  our  own.    May  we  trust  for  sanctification,  to  the  gra- 
cious influence  of  thy  Spirit,  and  have  no  confidence  in 
the  flesh.     May  we  mourn  with  genuine  contrition  over 
our  sins  and  follies,  and  not  glory  in  our  shame.     May 
we  sorrow  after  a  godly  sort,  because  of  our  iniquities 
and  shortcomings,  and  not  take  pleasure  in  unrighteous- 
ness.    May  we  die  daily  unto  sin,   and  live  no  longer 
therein.     O  Heavenly  Father,  give  us  grace  to  make  our 
calling  and  election  sure.     May  we  not  grow  cold  and 
lukewarm  in  thy  service,  but  may  we  be  zealously  af- 
fected in  every  good  thing.     May  we  not  say  peace  to 
our  souls  when  there  is  no  peace,  but  may  we  work  out 
our  salvation  with  fear  and  trembling,  knowing  that  it  is 
God  that  worketh  in  us,  both  to  will  and  to  do  of  his  good 
pleasure.     May  we  not  be  slothful,  nor  stand  all  the  day 
idle,  but  may  we  ever  be  about  our  Heavenly  Father's 
business.     May  we  be  diligent  in  business,   fervent   in 


FAMILY  PRAYER.  143 

spirit,  serving  the  Lord,  and  always  abounding  in  his 
work. 

Bless  and  prosper,  O  Lord,  every  lawful  business  in 
which  we  have  been  engaged  during  the  week  now  draw- 
ing to  a  close,  so  far  as  is  agreeable  to  thy  will.  May 
we  always  labour  with  an  habitual  and  prayerful  depend- 
ence on  thee  for  success.  May  we  be  thankful  for  all 
that  we  have  enjoyed  in  days  that  are  past,  and  humbly 
trust  thee  for  all  that  is  needful  in  time  to  come. 

Continue  thy  kind  and  undeserved  protection  of  us 
through  this  night,  O  thou  who  never  slumberest  nor 
sleepest.  May  we  rest  in  the  hollow  of  thy  hand,  and 
under  the  shadow  of  thy  wing ;  and,  if  consistent  with 
thy  wise  and  righteous  purposes,  may  we  be  permitted  to 
behold  another  of  the  days  of  the  Son  of  man;  refreshed 
by  sleep,  and  fitted  to  discharge  the  duties  and  enjoy  the 
privileges  of  the  Sabbath.  May  it  be  a  Sabbath  to  our  souls. 

Be  with  all  thy  servants  who  shall  minister  in  thy 
name  on  the  coming  day.  May  they  receive  fresh  unc- 
tion from  the  Holy  One,  and  be  clothed  with  salvation  as 
with  a  garment. 

May  they  preach  the  Gospel  in  its  purity  and  simpli- 
city, with  all  godly  sincerity  and  faithfulness.  May  sin- 
ners be  converted  to  the  knowledge  and  love  of  God. 
And  may  thy  saints  be  edified,  established,  and  built  up 
in  their  most  holy  faith. 

Send  forth  thy  light  and  thy  truth  to  the  ends  of  the 
earth.  May  all  men  know  thee,  from  the  least  even  unto 
the  greatest.  May  we  who  enjoy  the  light  of  the  Gos- 
pel, be  duly  thankful  for  the  gift,  and  faithfully  receive 
it  into  our  hearts,  that  it  may  not  prove  a  savour  of  death 
unto  death  to  our  souls. 

While  we  live,  may  we  live  unto  thee,  and  when  we 
die,  may  we  die  in  the  Lord,  so  that  living  or  dying  we 
may  be  his. 


144  FAMILY  RELIGION. 

Hear  us,  O  blessed  God,  in  these  our  prayers  and 
thanksgivings,  and  finally  save  us  all,  through  infinite 
riches  of  grace  in  Christ  our  Redeemer.     Amen ! 


THIRD   WEEK. 

SUNDAY  MORNING.  Jay. 

O  thou  Most  High !  thine  eyes  are  in  every  place,  be- 
holding the  evil  and  the  good ;  thine  eyes  behold,  and 
thine  eye-lids  try  the  children  of  men.  We  hope  we  can 
appeal  to  thy  Omniscience,  and  say.  in  the  way  of  thy 
appointments,  we  are  now  waiting  for  thee,  while  our 
desire  is  to  thy  name,  and  to  the  remembrance  of  thee. 

Thou  art  rich  in  mercy.  The  blood  of  Jesus  Christ, 
thy  Son,  cleanseth  from  all  sin.  The  agency  of  thy 
Holy  Spirit  can  subdue  the  most  powerful  corruptions. 
Heal  us,  and  we  shall  be  healed ;  save  us,  and  we  shall 
be  saved  ;  for  thou  art  our  praise.  Hide  thy  face  from 
our  sin,  and  blot  out  all  our  iniquity.  Create  in  us  also, 
O  God,  a  clean  heart,  and  renew  a  right  spirit  within  us. 
Illuminate  our  understandings  with  the  light  of  life.  May 
we  know  the  truth,  and  may  the  truth  make  us  free. 
Give  us  tender  and  wakeful  consciences ;  and  may  they 
always  smite  and  torment  us  when  we  sin  against  God. 
May  we  be  consistent  and  uniform  in  the  whole  of  our 
conversation  and  conduct;  the  same  alone  and  in  company, 
in  prosperity  and  adversity ;  esteeming  all  thy  command- 
ments concerning  all  things  to  be  right,  and  hating  every 
false  way — Israelites  indeed,  in  whom  there  is  no  guile. 

May  we  never  be  satisfied  with  any  present  progression 
in  the  divine  life ;  but  this  one  thing  may  we  do,  forgetting 
the  things  that  are  behind,  and  reaching  forth  unto  those 
that  are  before,  may  we  press  towards  the  mark,  for  the 
prize  of  our  high  calling  of  God  in  Christ  Jesus.     May 


FAMILY  PRAYER.  145 

we  add  to  our  faith  virtue;  and  to  virtue  knowledge; 
and  to  knowledge  temperance  ;  and  to  temperance  god- 
liness ;  and  to  godliness  brotherly  kindness ;  and  to  brother- 
ly kindness  charity ;  and  may  all  these  things  not  only 
be  in  us,  but  abound. 

Enable  us  to  accommodate  ourselves  to  the  dispensa- 
tions of  thy  providence,  with  the  views  and  feelings  of 
Christians.  May  we  know  how  to  be  abased,  and  how 
to  abound ;  may  we  learn  in  whatsoever  state  we  are, 
therewith  to  be  content;  yea,  in  every  thing,  may  we 
give  thanks ;  knowing  that  all  the  ways  of  the  Lord  are 
mercy  and  truth,  to  those  that  trust  in  him. 

May  we  feel  the  ties  that  unite  us  to  our  fellow-crea- 
tures, especially  to  our  fellow-Christians.  By  sympathy, 
and  praise,  and  prayer,  may  we  make  their  mercies  and 
miseries  our  own ;  rejoicing  with  them  that  rejoice,  and 
weeping  with  them  that  weep. 

Regard  the  sons  and  daughters  of  distress ;  and  as  af- 
flictions are  not  immutable  dispensations,  and  we  are 
allowed  to  pray  for  temporal  blessings  conditionally,  if 
it  be  thy  pleasure,  command  deliverance  for  them ;  or 
should  thy  wisdom  continue  the  trial,  keep  them  from 
sinking  or  sinning  in  the  evil  day;  let  thy  strength 
be  made  perfect  in  their  weakness ;  and  in  the  multitude 
of  their  thoughts  within  them,  may  thy  comforts  delight 
their  souls. 

Be  with  those  who  will  pass  the  day  in  absence  from 
thy  dear  abode.  Though  thou  art  with  thy  people  in 
trouble,  yet  thou  hast  taught  them,  by  experience,  to 
value  thy  ordinances,  and  to  esteem  a  day  in  thy  courts, 
better  than  a  thousand.  O  let  them  not  pass  an  unprofit- 
able, though  a  silent  Sabbath;  let  their  meditation  of 
thee  be  sweet ;  and  though  not  in  thy  house,  may  they 
be  in  thy  Spirit,  on  thy  own  day. 

And  make  those   thankful,  who   arc   exempted    from 
13 


146  FAMILY  RELIGION. 

spiritual  privations;  and  have  liberty  and  health,  and 
strength,  to  go  into  thy  house,  in  the  multitude  of  thy 
mercies. 

"We  bless  thee  that  this  is  our  privilege.  May  we 
know  the  day  of  our  visitation,  and  embrace  the  things 
that  belong  to  our  peace.  May  we  hear  with  solemnity 
of  mind,  knowing  that  for  all  these  things,  God  will  bring 
us  into  judgment.  May  we  hear  with  prayer,  remem- 
bering that  whoever  may  plant  or  water,  thou  alone 
canst  give  the  increase.  May  we  be  doers  of  the  word, 
and  not  hearers  only;  and  may  we  keep  in  memory 
what  is  preached  unto  us,  that  we  may  not  believe  in 
vain. 

May  we  carry  into  ordinary  life  the  various  portions 
of  divine  truth,  which  successively  engage  our  attention, 
and  use  them  as  seasons  and  circumstances  render  them 
suitable ;  may  its  doctrines  inform,  its  warnings  caution, 
its  rules  guide,  and  its  promises  comfort  us,  till  we  have 
received  the  end  of  our  faith,  the  salvation  of  our  souls. 

Bless  the  congregation  in  whose  devotions  we  are  to 
mingle.  Let  thy  minister  be  clothed  with  salvation,  and 
let  thy  saints  shout  aloud  for  joy.  O  thou  holy  and 
beautiful  house,  where  our  fathers  praised  thee,  peace 
be  within  thy  walls — for  our  brethren  and  companions' 
sakes,  we  will  now  say,  peace  be  within  thee. 

And  bless,  we  beseech  thee,  all  thy  churches,  and  all 
thy  servants  of  every  name.  Plead  thy  own  cause. 
Build  up  Zion.  Establish  and  make  Jerusalem  a  praise 
in  the  whole  earth.  May  many  run  to  and  fro,  and 
knowledge  be  increased ;  and  may  all  know  thee  from  the 
east  even  to  the  greatest.     Amen. 


FAMILY  PRAYER.  147 


SUNDAY  EVENING.  Jay, 

When  we  consider  the  heavens  the  work  of  thy  fingers, 
and  the  moon  and  the  stars  which  thou  hast  ordained, 
Lord,  what  is  man  that  thou  art  mindful  of  him,  or  the 
son  of  man  that  thou  visitest  him  ?  In  thy  sight  the  hea- 
vens are  not  clean ;  and  thou  chargest  thine  angels  with 
folly — with  what  truth  therefore  may  we,  and  with  what 
humiliation  ought  we,  to  exclaim,  Behold  we  are  vile ! 

And  yet  we  believe — help  thou  our  unbelief,  that  thou 
waitest  to  be  gracious  unto  us ;  and  art  exalted  to  have 
mercy  upon  us.  And  Christ  also  has  once  suffered  for 
sins,  the  just  for  the  unjust,  that  he  might  bring  us  unto 
God.  Through  his  obedience  unto  death,  even  the  death 
of  the  cross,  it  is  honourable  in  thee,  to  save  all  that 
come  unto  thee  by  him ;  and  thou  art  faithful  and  just,  as 
well  as  gracious  and  merciful,  in  forgiving  us  our  sins, 
and  in  cleansing  us  from  all  unrighteousness. 

We  bless  thy  holy  name,  for  a  foundation  on  which  the 
guilty,  the  depraved,  and  the  helpless  can  build  a  hope 
that  maketh  not  ashamed ;  for  a  refuge  from  the  curse  of 
a  broken  law;  for  a  fountain  opened  for  sin  and  unclean- 
ness :  and  for  a  fulness,  from  which  we  can  receive,  and 
grace  for  grace.  We  want  to  appropriate  and  realize  all 
the  representations  given  of  the  Saviour  in  thy  word; 
and  to  find  it  to  be,  in  our  own  experience,  what  thy  peo- 
ple have  found  him  to  be,  in  all  ages  of  the  world.  May 
our  persons  and  our  services  be  accepted  in  the  beloved. 
May  we  be  justified  freely  by  thy  grace,  through  the  re- 
demption that  is  in  Christ  Jesus.  May  we  be  saved  by 
the  washing  of  regeneration,  and  the  renewing  of  the 
Holy  Ghost.  We  are  weary  and  heavy  laden,  give  us 
rest  We  are  depraved  in  all  our  powers — work  in  us 
to  will  and  to  do  of  thy  good  pleasure.   We  are  ignorant 


146  FAMILY  RELIGION. 

— fill  us  with  knowledge  of  thy  will,  in  all  wisdom  and 
spiritual  understanding,  that  we  may  approve  things  that 
are  excellent,  and  be  sincere  and  without  offence,  till  the 
day  of  Christ. 

Many  eyes  are  upon  us — lead  us  in  a  plain  path  be- 
cause of  our  enemies.  Many  watch  for  our  halting; 
but  may  we  put  to  silence  the  ignorance  of  foolish  men, 
and  constrain  them  by  our  good  works,  which  they  be- 
hold, to  glorify  God  in  the  day  of  visitation. 

Though  we  are  ignorant  of  the  future,  and  know  not 
what  a  day  may  bring  forth,  keep  us  from  being  of  a 
doubtful  mind.  May  we  be  careful  for  nothing.  May 
we  go  on  our  way  rejoicing,  persuaded  that  all  thy  dis- 
pensations are  designed  and  adapted  to  prove  that  thou 
carest  for  us. 

And  till  we  arrive  at  heaven,  our  home,  may  we  grate- 
fully avail  ourselves  of  all  the  advantages  afforded  us  in 
our  journey.  We  bless  thee  for  wilderness  privileges; 
for  the  manna;  the  streams  of  the  smitten  rock;  the 
fiery  cloudy  pillar ;  the  tabernacle  and  the  ark.  We  bless 
thee  for  the  Sabbath,  the  sanctuary  and  the  ministry  of 
the  word.  We  bless  thee  for  the  opportunities  we  have 
this  day  enjoyed  in  waiting  upon  thee.  Many  who  love 
thy  salvation,  have  passed  the  sacred  hours  in  solitude. 
Many  have  had  no  means  of  grace  to  invite  their  attend- 
ance. And  many  who  have  been  assembled  together,  have 
not  heard  the  gospel  of  the  grace  of  God,  in  truth.  O 
let  not  our  privileges  increase  our  guilt,  and  aggravate 
our  condemnation,  so  that  it  shall  be  more  tolerable  for 
Sodom  and  Gomorrah,  in  the  day  of  judgment,  than  for 
us.  Let  not  the  truths  we  have  been  hearing,  visit  us 
only  as  weekly  guests ;  but  may  they  be  residents  in  our 
hearts.  May  the  word  of  Christ  dwell  in  us  richly,  in 
all  wisdom.  And  though  the  exercises  in  which  we  have 
been  engaged  are  transient,  may  the  effects  produced  by 


FAMILY  PRAYER.  149 

them  be  deep  and  durable ;  may  the  Sabbath  pervade  the 
week,  and  the  spirit  of  devotion  actuate  us  in  the  absence 
of  its  forms :  whether  we  eat,  or  drink,  or  whatever  we 
do,  may  we  do  all  to  the  glory  of  God. 

Bless,  O  bless  the  rising  generation,  the  sources  of  fu- 
ture families  and  communities.  When  the  clods  of  the 
valley  shall  be  sweet  about  us,  may  they  be  found  a  seed 
to  serve  thee.  Defend  us  this  night,  O  thou  merciful  pro- 
tector, from  all  evil  and  danger.  Shouldst  thou  call  us 
hence  this  night,  may  we  awake  in  glory,  and  be  for  ever 
with  the  Lord :  or  shouldst  thou  continue  us  in  being, 
may  we  rise  in  health  and  comfort,  to  pay  thee  the  hom- 
age of  grateful  hearts,  in  a  course  of  cheerful  obedience. 

Regard  all  thy  professing  churches.  Bless  them  with 
soundness  of  doctrine,  purity,  and  faithful  discipline;  and 
with  sanctity  and  amiableness  of  character,  in  their  mem- 
bers :  and  the  Lord  add  to  his  people,  how  many  soever 
they  be,  an  hundred  fold ;  yea,  let  a  little  one  become  a 
thousand,  and  a  small  one  a  strong  nation;  and  all  the 
families  of  the  earth  be  blessed  in  him — who  is  all  our 
salvation,  and  all  our  desire — to  whom  be  glory  and  do- 
minion, for  ever  and  ever.     Amen. 

MONDAY  MORNING.  Jay 

O  Lord  God  of  hosts,  hear  our  prayer ;  give  ear,  O 
God  of  Jacob ;  behold,  O  God,  our  shield,  and  look  upon 
the  face  of  thine  anointed. 

It  is  in  his  dear  and  all-prevailing  name  we  come.  We 
have  nothing  of  our  own  to  plead;  no  works,  no  worthi- 
ness, no  promises.  We  have  all,  like  sheep,  gone  astray. 
We  have  been  transgressors  from  the  womb.  We  have 
knowingly  opposed  thine  authority,  and  abused  thy  good- 
ness. We  have  been  ungrateful  under  thy  indulgences ; 
incorrigible  under  thy  rebukes ;  and  have  improved  none 

13* 


150  FAMILY  RELIGION. 

of  our  religious  advantages.  We  stand  before  thee  con- 
demned by  our  own  consciences,  as  well  as  by  thy  word. 
Yet,  in  the  way  of  thine  appointment,  thou  art  waiting 
to  be  gracious ;  and  hast  said,  that  whatsoever  we  ask, 
believing  in  his  name,  we  shall  receive. 

Through  him,  display  thyself,  in  our  experience,  as  a 
God  pardoning  iniquity,  and  subduing  it.  Justify  us  freely 
from  all  things  ;  and  sanctify  us  wholly,  body,  soul,  and 
spirit.  May  we  be  thy  workmanship,  created  in  Christ 
Jesus,  and  prepared  unto  every  good  work.  We  groan 
within  ourselves,  longing,  not  only  for  deliverance  from 
the  wrath  to  come,  but  from  the  sin  that  dwelleth  in.  us ; 
and  praying,  not  only  for  an  interest  in  thy  favour,  but  a 
participation  of  thy  image. 

If  thou  hast  begun  the  good  work  in  us,  carry  it  on 
unto  the  perfect  day.  Assure  us  of  present  assistance  and 
final  success,  whatever  difficulties  or  oppositions  we  meet 
with;  that  we  may  go  on  our  way  rejoicing,  and  be 
strong  in  the  grace  that  is  in  Christ  Jesus.  And  should 
we  walk  in  darkness  and  have  no  light,  may  we  trust  in 
the  Lord,  and  stay  upon  our  God — Yet  suffer  us  to  im- 
plore, that  thou  wilt  make  thy  face  to  shine  upon  us,  and 
give  us  the  full  assurance  of  hope — which  hope  may  we 
have,  as  an  anchor  of  the  soul,  both  sure  and  steadfast, 
in  all  the  storms  of  life. 

We  bless  thee  for  all  that  is  past.  Unless  the  Lord  had 
been  our  help,  our  souls  had  almost  dwelt  in  silence :  but 
when  we  said,  my  foot  slippeth,  thy  mercy,  O  Lord,  held 
us  up.  But  we  are  still  in  the  body,  and  in  the  wilder- 
ness; we  need  thine  aid  as  much  as  ever;  we  have  a 
growing  sense  of  our  ignorance,  weakness,  and  danger — 
O  withdraw  not  thy  presence,  and  take  not  thy  Holy  Spirit 
from  us.  Whether  we  are  called  to  do  thy  will,  or  to  bear 
it,  may  we  feel  that  our  help  is  in  the  name  of  the  Lord, 
who  made  heaven  and  earth.    If  our  course  conducts  us 


FAMILY  PRAYER.  151 

through  rough  and  trying  scenes,  say  to  us,  thy  shoes 
shall  be  iron  and  brass,  and  as  thy  days,  so  shall  thy 
strength  be.  In  view  of  our  encounter  with  our  spiritual 
foes,  clothe  us  with  the  whole  armour  of  God ;  teach  our 
hands  to  war,  and  our  fingers  to  fight ;  and  in  the  heat  of 
action  tell  our  hearts,  that  we  shall  be  more  than  con- 
querors, through  him  that  loved  us. 

And  may  we  be  concerned  that  the  blessings  we  ask 
for  ourselves,  may  be  imparted  to  others.  Teach  us  to 
love  our  neighbour  as  ourselves ;  and  may  we  often  ex- 
amine our  conditions  in  life,  our  offices,  our  talents,  and 
our  opportunities,  to  see  how  we  may  be  serviceable  in 
our  day  and  generation. 

Comfort  those  that  mourn  in  Zion.  Let  all  the  afflicted 
find  thee  a  very  present,  and  an  all-sufficient  help  in  the 
day  of  trouble.  Provide  for  the  poor  and  needy.  Guide 
those  that  need  instruction ;  and  may  integrity  and  up- 
rightness preserve  them  while  they  wait  upon  thee. 

Sanctify  and  continue  to  us,  and  to  our  latest  posterity 
after  us,  all  our  national  blessings,  civil  and  religious ; 
and  may  our  country,  by  its  institutions,  character,  and 
usefulness,  be  a  praise  in  the  whole  earth. 

These  are  great  blessings  for  such  sinful  creatures  as 
we  are,  to  ask — but  thou  hast  given  us  a  name  to  plead, 
which  is  above  every  name.  Behold — not  our  guilt,  but 
that  blood  which  cleanseth  from  all  sin;  not  our  un- 
worthiness,  but  that  righteousness  with  which  thou  art 
well  pleased.     And  accept  us  in  the  beloved.     Amen. 


MONDAY  EVENING.  Jay. 

O  Lord,  thou  art  over  all  by  thy  providential  agency, 
and  rich  unto  all  that  call  upon  thee,  in  the  exercise  of 
thy  mercy  and  grace.  With  thee  is  the  fountain  of  life, 
and  in  thy  light  shall  we  see  light. 


152  FAMILY  RELIGION. 

Help  us  to  consider  the  way,  the  new  and  living  way, 
in  which  a  fallen  creature  can  approach  thee  with  ac- 
ceptance. May  we  behold  the  Lamb  of  God,  that  taketh 
away  the  sin  of  the  world.  May  we  contemplate  the 
dignity  of  his  person,  the  perfection  of  his  sacrifice,  and 
the  prevalency  of  his  intercession,  who  is  the  great  High 
Priest  over  the  house  of  God.  And  may  we  feel  the  dis- 
tance between  thee  and  us  done  away,  and  rejoice  that 
now,  in  Christ  Jesus,  we,  who  sometimes  were  afar  off, 
are  made  nigh  by  the  blood  of  Christ. 

A  glorious  high  throne,  from  the  beginning,  has  been 
the  place  of  thy  people's  sanctuary ;  and  we  have  found 
it  good  to  be  there.  O  what  a  resource  is  devotion ! 
When  under  all  the  toils  that  weary  us,  the  cares  that 
corrode  us,  the  infirmities  that  press  us  down,  the  fears 
that  disturb  us — in  every  thing,  by  prayer  and  supplica- 
tion with  thanksgiving,  we  can  make  known  our  suppli- 
cation unto  God,  and  feel  a  peace  which  passeth  all 
understanding,  keeping  our  hearts  and  minds  through 
Christ  Jesus. 

We  were  as  sheep  going  astray,  but  are  now  return- 
ing unto  the  Shepherd  and  Bishop  of  our  souls.  Yet  we  feel 
the  same  grace  that  restored  us,  to  be  necessary  to  pre- 
serve us,  and  to  supply  us.  And  hast  not  thou  promised 
to  lead  us,  to  guard  us,  to  suffer  us  to  want  no  good  thing, 
to  make  all  grace  to  abound  towards  us?  And  art  not 
thou  a  faithful  God,  and  able  also  to  perform?  Lord, 
we  take  thee  at  thy  word.     Do  as  thou  hast  said. 

We  have  tasted  that  thou  art  gracious,  and  the  relish 
has  provoked  our  desire  after  more,  and  they  who  hunger 
and  thirst  after  righteousness  are  blessed,  and  shall  be 
filled.  Make  us  to  lie  down  in  green  pastures,  and  feed 
us  beside  the  still  waters,  where  we  shall  often  exclaim, 
O  how  great  is  his  goodness,  and  how  great  is  his  beauty  ! 

We  thank  thee,  O  God,  for  thy  merciful  protection 


FAMILY  PRAYER.  153 

through  the  day,  and  for  all  its  blessings.  We  now  com- 
mit our  bodies  and  souls  to  thy  all-sufficient  care.  Suffer 
no  evil  to  befall  our  persons,  and  no  plague  to  come  nigh 
our  dwelling.  May  our  sleep  be  sweet  and  refreshing,  or 
if  thou  holdest  our  eyes  waking,  may  we  remember  thee 
upon  our  bed,  and  meditate  on  thee,  in  the  night  watches. 

We  know  not  what  a  day  may  bring  forth ;  nor 
would  we,  if  it  were  in  our  power,  draw  back  the  veil 
that  hides  the  future,  and  learn  the  times  and  the  seasons 
which  the  Father  hath  put  into  his  own  power.  But,  O 
be  thou  with  us  in  all,  and  prepare  us  for  all.  Prepare  us 
for  the  smiles  of  prosperity :  prepare  us  for  the  frowns 
of  adversity;  prepare  us  for  those  losses  in  substance, 
and  those  bereavements  in  friends — so  possible,  so  proba- 
ble in  a  world  like  this :  prepare  us  for  the  days  of  dark- 
ness, for  they  may  be  many ;  prepare  us  for  the  change, 
and  when  heart  and  flesh  fail  us,  and  we  have  no  more 
a  portion  in  all  that  is  done  under  the  sun,  be  thou  the 
strength  of  our  heart,  and  our  portion  for  ever. 

May  our  very  memory  be  blessed.  May  those  who 
follow  us,  praise  God  that  we  have  ever  lived ;  and  may 
we  leave  behind  us  those  instructions,  examples,  and 
effects,  which  shall  glorify  our  God  on  earth,  while  our 
spirits  have  joined  the  spirits  of  just  men  made  perfect 
in  heaven. 

And  may  the  grace  of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  and  the 
love  of  God,  and  the  fellowship  of  the  Holy  Ghost,  be 
with  us  all  evermore.     Amen. 


TUESDAY  MORNING.  Jay. 

O  thou,  whose  name  alone  is  Jehovah,  the  Most  High 
over  all  the  earth,  we  desire  to  adore  the  perfections  of 
thy  nature,  and  to  admire  the  works  of  thy  hands.  May 
the  united  displays  of  thy  greatness,  and  thy  goodness, 


154  FAMILY  RELIGION. 

impress  our  minds,  and  influence  our  thoughts  and  affec- 
tions, while  we  approach  Thee. 

Heaven  is  thy  throne,  and  the  earth  is  thy  footstool. 
The  universe,  with  all  its  myriads  of  creatures,  was  made 
by  thy  word,  and  is  upholden  by  thy  power ;  and  thou 
dost  according  to  thine  own  will  in  the  army  of  heaven, 
and  among  the  inhabitants  of  the  earth ;  none  can  stay 
thine  hand,  or  say  unto  thee,  What  dost  thou? 

But  thou  art  the  Father  of  mercies,  the  God  of  al! 
grace,  and  the  God  of  all  comfort.  Even  we,  poor, 
mean,  dying  creatures,  are  not  beneath  thy  care.  Thou 
hast  been  mindful  of  us;  thou  hast  visited  us;  and  thy 
visitation  hath  preserved  our  spirits.  The  lines  are  fallen 
to  us  in  pleasant  places ;  yea,  we  have  a  goodly  heritage ; 
we  live  in  a  land  of  vision ;  we  have  the  Scriptures  in 
our  hands,  and  our  ears  hear  the  joyful  sound  of  the  Gos- 
pel. We  know  that  thou  hast  not  spared  thine  own  Son, 
but  delivered  him  up  for  us  all.  We  know  that  he  has 
borne  our  grief,  and  carried  our  sorrow  ;  that  his  blood 
cleanseth  from  all  sin,  and  that  whosoever  believeth  on 
him,  shall  not  perish,  but  have  everlasting  life. 

We  come  in  his  name,  and  make  mention  of  his  right- 
eousness only.  We  plead  the  obedience  and  sufferings 
of  him  who  magnified  the  law,  both  in  its  precept  and 
penalty,  and  made  it  honourable.  May  we  be  justified 
by  his  blood ;  and  may  we  be  saved  by  his  life.  May 
we  be  joined  to  the  Lord,  and  be  of  one  spirit  with  him. 
May  we  deny  ourselves,  and  take  up  our  cross,  and  fol- 
low him.  May  the  agency  of  thy  grace  prepare  us  foi 
all  the  dispensations  of  thy  providence.  May  we  be 
willing  that  the  Lord  should  choose  our  inheritance  foi 
us,  and  determine  what  we  shall  retain  or  lose  ;  what  we 
shall  suffer  or  enjoy. 

If  indulged  with  prosperity,  may  we  be  secured  from 
its  snares,  and  use  its  advantages  as  not  abusing  them. 


FAMILY  PRAYER.  155 

And  may  we  patiently  and  cheerfully  submit  to  those  af- 
flictions, which  are  necessary  to  hedge  up  our  way  when 
we  are  tempted  to  wander,  to  excite  an  abhorrence  of 
sin,  to  wean  us  from  the  present  evil  world,  and  to  make 
us  partakers  of  thy  holiness.  Only  assure  us,  and  we 
shall  learn  in  whatsoever  state  we  are,  therewith  to  be 
content — only  assure  us,  that  thou  wilt  be  with  us  in 
trouble,  and  that  at  the  end  of  the  vale  of  tears,  we  shall 
enter  Emmanuel's  land,  where  the  inhabitants  no  more 
say,  I  am  sick ;  where  our  sun  shall  no  more  go  down, 
nor  our  moon  withdraw  itself,  but  God  shall  be  our 
everlasting  light,  and  the  days  of  our  mourning  shall  be 
ended. 

May  our  friends  and  relations  be  fellow-heirs  with  us 
of  the  grace  of  life.  Let  our  house  be  the  tabernacle  of 
the  righteous ;  let  our  children  and  servants  be  a  seed  to 
serve  thee :  and  among  none  of  those  who  surround  this 
family  altar,  may  there  be  weeping  and  wailing,  and 
gnashing  of  teeth,  when  they  shall  see  Abraham,  and 
Isaac,  and  Jacob,  in  the  kingdom  of  God,  and  they  them- 
selves shut  out. 

Lord,  help  us  all  to  view  our  religious  opportunities  as 
talents,  for  which  we  are  accountable  j  to  remember,  that 
our  greatest  danger  results  from  our  highest  privileges ; 
and  to  fear,  lest  a  promise  being  left  us  of  entering  into 
thy  rest,  any  of  us  should  seem  to  come  short  of  it. 

Tiiou  hast  determined  the  bounds  of  our  habitation; 
and  by  the  events  of  thy  providence,  many  of  those  in 
whose  society  we  delight  are  separated  from  us.  When 
we  are  absent  in  body,  may  we  be  often  present  in  spirit. 
We  commend  our  absent  friends  and  kindred  to  thy 
covenant  care.  May  no  evil  tidings  concerning  them, 
wound  our  hearts :  spare  them  in  mercy :  may  we  often 
embrace  each  other  in  circumstances  of  health  and 
comfort :  or  if  we  have  had  our  last  interview  on  earth, 


156  FAMILY  RELIGION. 

may  we  all  meet  in  our  Heavenly  Father's  house,  and 
be  for  ever  with  each  other  and  for  ever  with  the  Lord. 
In  hope  of  which,  with  every  other  blessing,  we  de- 
voutly ascribe  to  the  only  wise  God,  our  Saviour,  praise 
and  glory  everlasting.     Amen. 

TUESDAY  EVENING.  Jay. 

O  thou  King  of  Glory,  we  desire  to  approach  thy 
divine  Majesty  with  reverence  and  godly  fear,  and  to 
worship  thee  in  the  beauty  of  holiness.  Every  perfection 
adorns  thy  nature,  and  sustains  thy  throne.  The  heavens 
are  thine ;  the  earth  also  is  thine ;  the  world  is  thine  and  the 
fulness  thereof.  Thy  power  drew  the  universe  from  no- 
thing. Thy  wisdom  has  managed  all  its  multiplied  con- 
cerns, presiding  over  nations,  families,  and  individuals, 
and  numbering  the  very  hairs  of  our  head.  Thy  good- 
ness is  boundless:  the  eyes  of  all  wait  upon  thee,  and 
thou  givest  them  their  meat  in  due  season.  Thou  openest 
thine  hand,  and  satisfiest  the  desire  of  every  living  thing. 
How  precious  are  the  thoughts  of  thy  mercy  and  grace 
— and  so  excellent  is  thy  loving  kindness,  that  even 
the  children  of  men  put  their  trust  under  the  shadow  of 
thy  wing. 

Thou  art  the  blessed  and  -happy  God.  O  teach  us  to 
place  our  happiness  in  thyself.  May  we  never  seek  the 
living  among  the  dead,  nor  ask  with  the  deluded  many, 
Who  will  show  us  any  good  ?  But  may  we  prize  the 
light  of  thy  countenance;  implore  the  joy  of  thy  salva- 
tion ;  and  passing  by  the  attractions  of  creatures,  be  able 
to  say,  Whom  have  I  in  heaven  but  thee,  and  there  is 
none  upon  earth  that  I  desire  beside  thee. 

Thou  hast  been  infinitely  more  attentive  to  our 
happiness  than  we  ever  have  been,  or  ever  can  be. 
Thou  madest   man   upright,   and  when,  by   voluntary 


FAMILY  PRAYER.  157 

transgression,  we  fell  away  from  thee,  thou  didst  not 
treat  us  with  severity,  or  the  neglect  we  deserved.  In 
thy  love  and  pity  thou  wast  pleased  to  provide  for  us  a 
Saviour,  who  bore  our  grief  and  carried  our  sorrows, 
and  put  away  sin  by  the  sacrifice  of  himself. 

Apply  this  redemption  to  our  hearts,  by  the  justifica- 
tion of  our  persons,  and  the  sanctifi cation  of  our  natures. 
We  confess  our  transgressions — Have  mercy  on  us.  We 
are  heavy  laden — Give  us  rest.  We  are  ignorant — 
Make  us  wise  unto  salvation.  We  are  helpless — Let  thy 
strength  be  made  perfect  in  our  weakness.  We  are  poor 
and  needy — Bless  us  all  with  the  unsearchable  riches  of 
Christ.  Having  begun  a  religious  course,  may  we  run 
and  not  be  weary,  and  walk  and  not  faint.  And  though 
perplexities,  and  trials,  and  dangers  await  us,  yet  we  may 
travel  on,  unchecked  and  undismayed,  knowing  thou  hast 
said,  I  will  never  leave  thee,  nor  forsake  thee. 

We  would  feel  the  connexions  which  unite  us  to  others, 
and  by  sympathy,  and  prayer,  and  praise,  make  their 
miseries  and  mercies  our  own.  We  would  rejoice  with 
those  that  rejoice,  and  weep  with  those  that  weep.  Pro- 
vide support  and  employment  for  the  poor,  and  may  their 
hands  be  sufficient  for  them.  Make  the  widow's  heart  to 
sing  for  joy ;  and  in  thee  may  the  fatherless  find  mercy. 
Visit  those  who  are  on  beds  of  sickness,  and  prepare  them 
for  thy  pleasure :  that  if  they  live,  it  may  be  to  serve  thee  ; 
and  if  they  die,  may  ft  be  to  enjoy  "thee.  Bless  our  nation. 
May  every  department  of  our  government  be  under  the 
control  of  infinite  wisdom  and  goodness ;  and  let  right- 
eousness and  peace  be  the  stability  of  our  times.  Do 
good,  in  thy  good  pleasure,  unto  Zion;  build  thou  the 
walls  of  Jerusalem :  and  may  all  our  churches,  like  the 
original  disciples,  continue  steadfastly  in  the  apostle's 
doctrine,  and  in  fellowship,  and  in  breaking  of  bread,  and 
in  prayers. 

14 


158  FAMILY  RELIGION. 

Protect  and  refresh  us  through  the  night  season ;  and 
then  cause  us  to  hear  thy  loving  kindness  in  the  morning : 
for  in  thee  do  we  trust ;  cause  us  to  know  the  way  where- 
in we  should  go,  for  we  lift  up  our  souls  unto  thee.  We 
implore  it  through  the  intercession  of  thy  dear  Son,  and 
our  Saviour. 

And  blessing,  and  honour,  and  glory,  and  power,  be 
unto  Him  that  sitteth  upon  the  throne,  and  unto  the  Lamb, 
for  ever  and  ever.     Amen. 

WEDNESDAY  MORNING.  Jay. 

O  God,  thou  art  incomprehensible,  and  in  none  of  thy 
works  and  ways,  can  any  of  thy  creatures  find  thee  out, 
unto  perfection.  Yet  thou  hast  not  left  thyself  without 
witness,  nor  called  us  to  worship  an  unknown  God.  Thou 
hast  been  pleased  to  reveal  thyself  to  us,  as  far  as  our 
wants  and  welfare  require ;  and  among  other  endearing 
characters,  we  can  discern  thee,  as  a  God,  hearing 
prayer. 

Thou  never  saidst  to  the  seed  of  Jacob,  seek  ye  me  in 
vain.  A  glorious  high  throne,  from  the  beginning,  has 
been  the  place  of  thy  people's  sanctuary.  And  thither 
wTould  we  repair,  in  ali  our  difficulties,  necessities,  and 
distresses,  and  find  it  good  to  draw  near  to  God.  Pos- 
sess us  with  the  spirit  of  grace,  which  is  always  a  spirit 
of  supplication.  May  we  live  in  a  prayerful  frame  of 
mind,  that  will  always  allow  of  our  immediate  and  pleas- 
ing intercourse  with  thee  :  in  the  ordinary  concerns  of 
life,  may  our  thoughts  and  desires  often  ascend  the  skies; 
and  in  habitual  devotion,  may  we  find  a  resource,  that 
will  soothe  our  sorrows,  sanctify  our  success,  and  qualify 
us  for  all  our  dealings  with  our  fellow-creatures. 

We  bless  thee  that  thou  hast  made  us  capable  of  know- 
ing thee,  the  author  of  all  being;  of  resembling  thee,  the 


FAMILY  PRAYER.  159 

perfection  of  all  excellency ;  and  of  enjoying  thee,  the 
source  of  all  happiness.  Though  we  are  unworthy  to 
share  in  thy  loving  kindness,  it  is  thy  pleasure  that  we 
seek  after  it ;  and  thou  hast  said,  their  hearts  shall  live 
that  seek  God.  Therefore,  look  thou  upon  us,  and  be 
merciful  unto  us,  as  thou  usest  to  do  unto  those  that  love 
thy  name.  May  we  be  accepted  in  the  beloved,  and 
know  that  in  him  we  have  redemption  through  his  blood, 
even  the  forgiveness  of  our  sins.  May  we  view  him  as 
the  end  of  the  law  for  righteousness  to  every  one  that 
believeth ;  and  as  the  source  of  all  that  grace,  by  which 
we  are  renewed  in  the  spirit  of  our  minds.  May  we 
always  contemplate  our  duties  in  connexion  with  those 
promises  which  insure  ability  for  the  performance  of 
them ;  and  while  \vreak  in  ourselves,  may  we  be  strong  in 
the  Lord,  and  in  the  power  of  his  might, 

Attend  us,  O  God,  in  every  part  of  our  arduous  and 
trying  pilgrimage.  "We  need  the  same  counsel,  the  same 
defence,  the  same  comfort  we  implored  at  the  moment 
of  our  setting  out — cast  us  not  away  from  thy  presence, 
and  take  not  thy  Holy  Spirit  from  us.  May  we  live  in 
the  Spirit,  and  may  we  walk  in  the  Spirit.  And  may  our 
path  be  as  the  shining  light,  that  shineth  more  and  more 
unto  the  perfect  day. 

Let  our  religion  be  more  and  more  obvious  to  our  con- 
sciences ;  and  more  perceptible  to  the  eye  of  those  around 
us.  May  all  that  see  and  hear  us,  take  knowledge  of  us, 
that  we  have  been  with  Jesus.  While  he  is  representing 
us  in  heaven,  may  we  represent  him  on  earth ;  while  he 
pleads  our  cause,  may  we  plead  his ;  and  be  concerned 
in  all  things  to  show  forth  his  praise,  who  is  making  all 
things  work  together  for  our  good.         i 

Arise,  O  God,  and  plead  thine  own  cause.  Give  the 
word,  and  let  the  company  of  those  that  publish  the  glad 
tidings  of  thy  kingdom,  be  great.     May  thy  house   be 


160  FAMILY  RELIGION. 

filled  with  inhabitants,  and  thy  table  furnished  with  guests  ; 
and  let  all  that  love  thy  salvation  say  continually,  the  Lord 
be  magnified. 

Be  gracious  to  our  absent  connexions — our  hearts' 
desire  and  prayer  to  God  for  them  is,  that  they  may  be 
saved. 

Continue  the  gentleness  of  thy  goodness  to  this  house- 
hold. 

To  the  care  which  has  watched  over  us  through  an- 
other night,  we  give  up  ourselves  in  prospect  of  the  duties 
and  events  of  the  day.  Let  thy  presence  go  with  us ; 
and  thy  blessing  attend  us;  and  whether  we  wake  or 
sleep,  may  we  live  together  with  Christ. 

In  whose  words  wre  address  thee,  as  Our  Father,  &c. 
Amen. 

WEDNESDAY  EVENING.  Jay. 

O  God,  the  day  is  thine,  the  night  also  is  thine.  Thou 
makest  the  outgoings  of  the  morning  and  evening  to  re- 
joice. The  heavens  declare  thy  glory — the  earth  is  full 
of  thy  riches,  and  so  is  the  great  and  wide  sea.  Thou  art 
the  maker,  and  sustainer,  and  proprietor  of  all  things. 
We  are  the  creatures  of  thy  power,  and  the  beneficiaries 
of  thy  bounty.  But  we  have  sinned  against  heaven  and 
before  thee,  and  are  not  worthy  of  the  least  of  all  the 
mercies,  and  of  all  the  truth  which  thou  hast  showed  us. 
We  are  of  those  that  rebel  against  the  light ;  for  we  have 
resisted  the  dictates  of  our  consciences,  the  demands  of 
thy  law,  the  admonitions  of  thy  providence,  and  the  calls 
of  the  gospel  of  peace.  We  have  made  light  of  those  things 
which  angels  desire  to  look  into ;  we  have  neglected  thy 
great  salvation,  and  we  deserve  that  thy  wrath  should 
come  upon  us,  as  the  children  of  disobedience. 

But  we  are  in  the  land  of  the  living,  and  under  a  dis- 
pensation of  hope.     We  fled   for   refuge   to  that  dear 


FAMILY  PRAYER.  161 

Saviour,  who  said,  deliver  him  from  going  down  into  the 
pit,  I  have  found  a  ransom,  and  who  himself  bore  our  sin 
in  his  own  body  on  the  tree.  O  that  we  may  be  found  in 
him,  and  know  the  power  of  his  resurrection,  and  the  fel- 
lowship of  his  sufferings,  being  made  conformable  unto 
his  death.  May  we  not  only  be  justified  by  his  blood,, 
and  saved  from  wrath  through  him  ;  but  may  we  derive 
from  him  an  influence,  that  shall  subdue  our  iniquities, 
and  change  us  into  his  own  image,  from  glory  to  glory, 
as  by  the  Spirit  of  the  Lord. 

Deliver  us,  we  pray  thee,  from  the  views  and  disposi- 
tions of  men  of  the  world,  who  have  their  portion  in  this 
life.  May  we  never  look  for  that  on  earth,  which  can 
only  be  found  in  heaven.  Born  from  above,  and  bound 
for  glory,  may  we  feel  the  heart  of  a  stranger,  and  pass 
the  time  of  our  sojourning  here  in  fear.  Reminded  — 
and,  O  how  often  are  we  reminded  ! — that  here  we  have 
no  continuing  city,  may  wre  seek  one  to  come ;  and  in 
all  the  changing  scenes  of  time,  know  in  ourselves,  that 
in  heaven  we  have  a  better  and  an  enduring  substance. 

In  our  journeyings  through  a  vale  of  tears,  cast  us  not 
away  from  thy  presence,  and  take  not  thy  Holy  Spirit 
from  us.  Be  thou  always  within  sight,  or  within  call ; 
for  how  often  shall  we  have  to  address  thee  !  To  thy 
wisdom  we  must  repair  for  direction,  or  we  shall  every 
moment  go  astray.  Thy  power  is  our  only  safety.  O 
thou  that  savest  by  thy  right  hand,  them  that  put  their 
trust  in  thee,  from  those  that  rise  up  against  them,  keep  us 
as  the  apple  of  the  eye,  and  hide  us  under  the  shadow  of 
thy  wing.  Be  thou  our  strength  in  weakness,  and  our 
victory  in  conflict.  We  dare  not  say,  we  never  will  deny 
thee ;  but  O  grant  that  we  never  may.  Establish  our 
hearts  with  grace,  and  deliver  our  feet  from  falling ;  and 
may  we  be  sincere  and  without  offence,  until  the  day  of 
Christ. 

14* 


162  FAMILY  RELIGION. 

These  are  great  blessings  for  us  to  ask ;  but  we  are 
undone  for  ever  without  them,  and  thou  hast  encouraged 
us  to  hope.  We  plead  thy  command  and  thy  promises. 
Ask  and  it  shall  be  given  you,  seek  and  ye  shall  find, 
knock  and  it  shall  be  opened  unto  you.  No  suppliant, 
however  unworthy  or  guilty,  was  ever  rejected,  or  in- 
sulted at  thy  footstool ;  and  we  come  in  the  name  of  him 
who  made  intercession  for  the  transgressors.  Him  thou 
hearest  always,  and  to  Him,  with  the  Father,  and  the 
Holy  Spirit,  be  praises  for  ever  and  ever.     Amen. 

THURSDAY  MORNING.  Jay. 

O  Lord  our  God,  blessed  is  the  man  whom  thou 
choosest,  and  causest  to  approach  unto  thee.  In  thy 
presence  there  is  fullness  of  joy,  and  at  thy  right  hand 
there  are  pleasures  for  evermore.  With  thee  is  the  foun- 
tain of  life,  and  in  thy  light  alone  can  we  see  light. 

We  therefore  entreat  thy  favour,  with  our  whole 
hearts.  We  acknowledge  that  we  have  forfeited  all 
claims  to  it;  and  if  we  had  no  better  ground  of  hope, 
than  our  deservings,  we  must  sink  into  despair.  For 
against  thee,  thee  only  have  we  sinned,  and  done  evil  in 
thy  sight,  that  thou  mightest  be  justified  when  thou  speak- 
est,  and  clear  when  thou  judgest. 

But  with  thee  there  is  mercy,  and  with  thee  there  is 
plenteous  redemption.  We  bless  thee  for  the  assurance, 
that  thou  hast  sent  thy  own  Son  into  the  world,  not  to 
condemn  the  world,  but  that  the  world,  through  him, 
might  be  saved.  We  rejoice  that  neither  the  number  nor 
heinousness  of  our  transgressions,  is  a  bar  to  that  for- 
giveness, which  is  founded  on  the  sufferings  and  sacrifice 
of  the  cross.  The  blood  of  Jesus  Christ,  thy  Son, 
cleanseth  from  all  sin.  By  the  blood  of  that  covenant 
which  he  has  ratified,  send  forth  thy  prisoners  out  of  the 


FAMILY  PRAYER.  163 

pit  wherein  there  is  no  water.  Graciously  absolve  us 
from  our  guilt,  and  pronounce  our  discharge  from  all 
condemnation,  not  only  in  the  court  of  heaven,  but  in  the 
court  of  conscience,  that  being  justified  by  faith,  we  may 
have  peace  with  God,  and  enjoy  the  glorious  liberty  of 
his  children. 

May  nothing  render  us  forgetful  of  thy  glory;  may 
nothing  turn  us  aside  from  thy  commands ;  may  nothing 
shake  our  confidence  in  thy  promises.  Take  from  us  the 
evil  heart  of  unbelief;  the  cause  of  all  our  waverings  and 
wanderings ;  may  we  believe,  that  we  may  be  established 
in  our  goings ;  and  be  always  abounding  in  the  work  of 
the  Lord. 

Prepare  us  for  whatever  we  have  to  meet  with,  be- 
tween this  morning  and  the  grave.  We  know  not  what 
lies  before  us;  but  thou  knowest,  and  thy  grace  can 
make  us  sufficient  for  every  service  and  every  suffering. 
Let  not  our  temporal  occupations  ever  injure  our  spirit- 
ual concerns ;  nor  the  cares  of  this  life  make  us  forget, 
or  neglect,  the  one  thing  needful ;  may  we  learn  the  holy 
art  of  abiding  with  God  in  our  callings;  of  being  in 
the  world  without  being  of  it;  and  of  making  every 
thing  not  only  consistent  with  religion,  but  conducive 
to  it. 

May  we  do,  and  may  we  say  nothing,  by  which  we 
shall  offend  against  the  generation  of  thy  children.  If 
strong,  may  we  bear  the  infirmities  of  the  weak,  and  not 
please  ourselves.  If  preserved,  may  we  restore  a  brother 
that  has  been  overtaken  in  a  fault,  in  the  spirit  of  meek- 
ness, considering  ourselves,  lest  we  also  be  tempted. 

Bless  those  who  have  done  us  good,  and  render  seven 
fold  into  their  own  bosom ;  and  forgive  those  who  have 
done  us  evil,  and  enable  us  to  forgive  them. 

Bless  those  who  are  near  and  dear  to  us ;  may  they  be 


164  FAMILY  RELIGION. 

near  and  dear  to  thee.  Bless  them  in  their  outward  com 
forts ;  but  above  all,  may  their  souls  prosper. 

Be  gracious  to  our  native  land.  But  mindful  of  our 
rulers.  Teach  our  senators  wisdom ;  and  so  control  the 
minds  and  hearts  of  those  who  are  intrusted  with  the 
public  welfare,  as  that  they  may  glorify  thee,  and  secure 
the  good  of  the  people.  Bless  the  gates  of  Zion,  and  all 
the  dwellings  of  Jacob.  Let  thy  secret  reside  in  the  fami- 
lies of  them  that  fear  thee ;  and  may  those  that  have  ne- 
glected to  call  upon  thy  name,  immediately  adopt  the  reso- 
lution of  Joshua,  As  for  me  and  my  house,  we  will  serve 
the  Lord. 

This  morning  sacrifice,  we  offer  in  the  all  prevailing 
name  of  our  adorable  Redeemer — And  unto  him  that 
loved  us,  and  washed  us  from  our  sins  in  his  own  blood, 
and  hath  made  us  kings  and  priests  unto  God,  and  to  his 
Father,  to  him  be  glory  and  dominion,  for  ever  and  ever. 
Amen. 

THURSDAY  EVENING.  Jay. 

Give  ear  to  our  words,  O  Lord ;  consider  our  medita- 
tion ;  and  enable  us  to  approach  thee,  with  becoming  con- 
ceptions of  thy  nature,  relations,  and  designs. 

Thou  inhabitest  eternity ;  but  our  age  is  nothing  before 
thee.  Thou  dwellest  in  the  heaven  of  heavens,  and  this 
cannot  contain  thee;  but  wre  dwell  in  houses  of  clay, 
whose  foundation  is  in  the  dust.  Thy  power  is  Almighty, 
but  we  are  crushed  before  the  moth.  Thy  understanding 
is  infinite,  but  we  know  nothing  as  we  ought  to  know. 
Thou  art  of  purer  eyes  than  to  behold  evil,  and  canst  not 
look  upon  iniquity ;  but  we  are  vile — what  shall  we  an- 
swer thee  ?  We  cannot  answer  thee  for  one  of  a  thousand 
of  our  iniquities.  And  had  we  listened  to  the  language  of 
our  guilty  consciences  alone,  we  could  not  have  entered 
thy  sacred  presence. 


FAMILY  PRAYER.  165 

But  thou  hast  called  us  to  thy  footstool,  thou  hast 
shown  us  a  new  and  living  way  into  the  holiest,  by  the 
blood  of  Jesus;  and  we  have  boldness,  and  access  with 
confidence,  by  the  faith  of  him.  We,  therefore,  draw 
nigh,  in  full  assurance  of  faith ;  believing  that  we  are  as 
welcome  as  we  are  unworthy ;  and  that  the  blessings  we 
are  come  to  implore,  are  as  free,  as  they  are  great  and 
numberless.  O  receive  us  graciously.  Be  merciful  to 
our  unrighteousness.  Adopt  us  into  the  household  of  faith; 
and  say  to  our  souls,  I  am  thy  salvation. 

And,  O  Lord,  we  pray  that  we  may  grow  in  grace. 
If  we  have  the  reality  of  religion,  how  far  are  our  works 
from  being  found  perfect  before  God  !  Strengthen  in  us 
the  things  that  remain,  that  be  ready  to  die ;  and  help  us 
to  reach  after  the  higher  attainments  and  privileges  of 
the  divine  life,  and  not  always  live  at  this  poor  dying 
rate.  May  we  be  followers  of  God  as  dear  children,  and 
feel  it  the  joy  of  our  lives,  to  be  holy,  as  thou  art  holy ; 
and  merciful,  as  thou  art  merciful.  May  thine  eye  be 
more  to  us,  than  the  inspection  of  all  fellow-creatures ; 
and  thy  approbation  be  dearer,  than  the  applause  of  a 
thousand  worlds. 

May  no  grace  of  the  spirit  be  wanting  in  us  ;  may  no 
duty  of  our  calling  be  neglected,  or  carelessly  performed. 
May  our  faith  be  a  strong  faith;  our  hope,  a  lively  hope; 
our  charity,  a  fervent  charity ;  our  conversation,  a  con- 
versation becoming  the  gospel  of  Christ.  May  we  stand 
complete  in  all  the  will  of  God ;  and  may  our  light  so 
shine  before  men,  that  they  may  see  our  good  works, 
and  glorify  our  Father,  who  is  in  heaven. 

May  we  long  to  serve  our  generation  according  to  thy 
will ;  may  wisdom  select  and  regulate  our  means ;  and  a 
blameless  and  lovely  consistency  of  character,  give 
wTeight  to  our  endeavours.  And  may  all  our  works  begin, 
continue,  and  end  in  thee.     On  thee  may  we  depend  for 


166  FAMILY  RELIGION. 

light  to  know,  and  disposition  to  choose,  and  strength  to 
perform,  and  submission  to  suffer,  and  patience  to  wait. 

And  when  we  have  done  all,  may  we  acknowledge 
that  we  are  unprofitable  servants,  and  confess  that  we 
deserve  condemnation  for  the  defects  of  our  obedience, 
rather  than  a  reward  for  its  excellency.  And  looking  off 
from  our  duties,  as  well  as  our  sins,  to  find  a  foundation 
for  our  hope,  may  we  rejoice  in  Christ  Jesus,  and  have  no 
confidence  in  the  flesh.  And  may  our  persons  and  ser- 
vices be  accepted  in  the  beloved.  Shelter  us  through  the 
night;  and  in  the  morning,  with  renewed  strength  and 
grateful  hearts,  may  we  rise  to  love  thee  more  and  serve 
thee  better,  than  we  have  done  this  day.  These  mercies, 
and  all  other  necessary  blessings,  we  humbly  ask  in  the 
name,  and  through  the  merits  of  our  Lord  and  Saviour, 
Jesus  Christ.     Amen. 

FRIDAY  MORNING.  Jay. 

We  would  lift  up  our  hearts,  with  our  hands,  unto  God 
in  the  heavens.  Behold  before  thee,  a  company  of  highly 
indulged,  but  sinful  beings :  for  if  we  say  we  have  no 
sin,  we  deceive  ourselves,  and  the  truth  is  not  in  us. 
None  of  our  fellow-creatures  know  half  so  much  of  our 
depravity,  as  we  ourselves  know :  and  our  knowledge  is 
ignorance,  compared  with  thy  wisdom. 

But  be  astonished,  O  heavens !  and  wonder,  O  earth  ! 
instead  of  such  a  deserved  exclusion,  thou  hast  even  de- 
vised means,  that  they  who  are  banished,  be  not  finally 
expelled  from  thee ;  means  the  most  astonishing  and  glo- 
rious, and  which  the  angels  desire  to  look  into.  For 
thou  hast  so  loved  the  world,  as  to  give  thine  only  begot- 
ten Son,  that  whosoever  believeth  on  him  should  not 
perish,  but  have  everlasting  life.  In  him  mercy  and  truth 
meet  together;  righteousness  and  peace  kiss  each  other; 


FAMILY  PRAYER.  167 

and  thy  honour  is  not  only  secured,  but  prominently  dis- 
played, even  in  our  escape  from  thine  own  threatenings. 
In  him  the  enslaved  can  find  redemption ;  the  guilty,  par- 
don; the  unholy,  renovation.  In  him  is  everlasting 
strength  for  the  weak,  and  unsearchable  riches  for  the 
needy ;  in  him  we  find  all  the  treasures  of  wisdom  and 
knowledge  for  the  ignorant — in  him  all  fullness  dwells. 

We  bless  thee  for  the  provision,  which  thy  infinite 
goodness  has  made  for  our  everlasting  welfare ;  and  for 
the  gospel  of  our  salvation,  which  makes  it  known;  and 
which  not  only  reveals  it  to  our  view,  but  proposes  it  to 
our  hope,  and  presses  it  upon  our  acceptance. 

O  Lord,  at  thy  gracious  call,  we  hear ;  we  look ;  we 
come ;  we  apply ;  we  receive.  We  not  only  submit  to 
the  scheme  of  mercy,  but  we  acquiesce  in  it;  we  glory 
in  the  cross  of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ ;  we  joy  in  God 
through  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  by  whom  we  have  now 
received  the  atonement.  We  bless  thee,  that  in  this  grace 
we  stand.  Thou  hast  rendered  the  blessings  as  secure  as 
they  are  glorious;  and  we  are  persuaded,  that  neither 
death,  nor  life,  nor  angels,  nor  principalities,  nor  powers, 
nor  things  present,  nor  things  to  come,  nor  height,  nor 
depth,  nor  any  other  creature,  shall  be  able  to  separate 
us  from  the  love  of  God,  which  is  in  Christ  Jesus,  our 
Lord. 

Yea,  for  ever  blessed  be  thy  name,  thou  hast  not  only 
provided  for  our  safety,  but  our  prosperity.  Thou  hast 
not  only  promised  that  the  righteous  shall  hold  on  their 
way,  but  wax  stronger  and  stronger.  Thou  dost  not  de- 
spise the  day  of  small  things;  but  thou  givest  more 
grace ;  and  hast  commanded  us  to  ask  and  receive,  that 
our  joy  may  be  full. 

And  now,  O  Lord,  what  shall  we  render  for  all  thy 
benefits  towards  us?  We  can  never  discharge  the  obli- 
gations we  are  under — but  we  pray  that  we  may  be  sen- 


168  FAMILY  RELIGION. 

sible  of  them ;  and  though  we  can  make  no  adequate  re- 
turns, may  we  make  suitable  ones ;  and  ever  ask  from 
the  heart,  as  well  as  with  the  lip,  Lord  what  wilt  thou 
have  me  to  do  1 

And  may  we  show  forth  thy  praise.  May  we  speak 
well  of  thy  name.  May  we  be  concerned  to  bring  others 
to  love  and  serve  thee ;  and  to  share  with  us,  in  all  the 
good  which  thou  hast  spoken  concerning  Israel. 

O,  let  our  children  be  thy  children ;  our  friends  thy 
friends ;  our  servants  thy  servants. 

May  our  neighbours,  and  our  enemies  too,  be  visited 
with  thy  salvation. 

Dwell  in  our  families.  Let  thy  goings  be  seen  in  our 
sanctuaries.  Let  the  people  praise  thee,  O  God ;  yea,  let 
all  the  people  praise  thee.  Let  the  whole  earth  be  filled 
with  thy  glory. 

Bless  the  Lord,  ye  his  angels,  that  excel  in  strength, 
that  do  his  commandments,  hearkening  unto  the  voice  of 
his  word.  Bless  ye  the  Lord,  all  ye  his  hosts,  ye  minis- 
ters of  his  that  do  his  pleasure.  Bless  the  Lord,  all  his 
works,  in  all  places  of  his  dominion.  Bless  the  Lord,  O 
my  soul.     Amen  and  Amen. 

FRIDAY  EVENING.  Jay. 

When  we  enter  thy  presence,  O  God,  we  see  thee  in 
all  the  glory  of  thy  perfections,  seated  on  a  throne  of  uni- 
versal and  everlasting  empire,  thousands  ministering  unto 
thee,  and  ten  thousand  times  ten  thousand  standing  be- 
fore thee.  Impress  our  minds  with  a  consciousness  of  thy 
greatness ;  not  to  drive  us  back  from  thee,  but  to  inspire 
us  with  reverence  and  godly  fear,  in  approaching  thee ; 
not  to  diminish  our  confidence  in  thee,  but  to  lead  us  to 
admire  the  vastness  of  thy  condescension,  in  deigning  to 
open  communications  with  creatures  so  mean  and  vile  as 


FAMILY  PRAYER.  169 

we  are.  Lord,  what  is  man,  that  thou  art  mindful  of  him; 
or  the  son  of  man,  that  thou  visitest  him  ? 

And,  yet  thou  hast  been  mindful  of  us  ;  thou  hast  visited 
us.  We  have  been  thy  charge  from  the  womb ;  and  thou 
hast,  in  all  conditions,  cared  for  us.  We  have  been  con- 
stantly fed  at  thy  table ;  and  clothed  by  thy  bounty.  How 
often  hast  thou  drawn  the  curtain  of  night  around  us,  and 
ordered  creation  to  be  quiet,  while  thy  children  have 
slumbered  and  slept!  Thy  mercies  have  been  new  every 
morning.  Thy  goodness  has  inspired  our  relations  and 
friends  with  all  the  sentiments  of  tenderness  and  respect, 
they  have  ever  expressed  towrards  us.  And  we  would  not 
overlook  the  blessings  of  the  life  that  now  is — 

But,  O  Lord,  suffer  us  not  to  forget  that  we  want  bet- 
ter blessings  than  these.  We  want  a  hope  beyond  the 
grave.  We  are  guilty,  depraved,  dying  creatures.  We 
need  pardon  and  holiness,  and  wisdom,  and  strength,  and 
peace,  and  joy ;  we  want  the  earnests  and  foretastes  of 
immortality.  And  blessed  be  thy  name,  what  we  so  much 
need,  and  hope  we  can  say,  so  much  desire,  thou  hast 
provided.  We  thank  thee  for  thy  unspeakable  gift.  We 
rejoice,  that  we  have  our  existence  in  a  land  of  Gospel 
privileges ;  and  where  one  of  the  first  sounds  that  entered 
our  infant  ears,  from  the  lips  of  maternal  piety,  was  the 
name  of  Jesus.  We  rejoice  that  we  have  been  led  to 
view  him,  not  only  as  a  teacher,  and  an  example,  but  as 
the  Lamb  of  God  that  taketh  away  the  sins  of  the 
world ;  and  that  now  in  Christ  Jesus,  we,  who  sometimes 
were  far  off,  are  made  nigh  by  the  blood  of  Christ ;  and 
have  boldness  and  access  with  confidence,  by  the  faith 
of  him. 

May  we  look  after  actual  and  personal  benefit  from 
him,  and  never  be  satisfied,  till  we  can  say,  I  know  whom 
I  have  believed,  and  am  persuaded,  that  he  is  able  to 
keep  that  which  I  have  committed  to  him  against  that 

15 


170  FAMILY  RELIGION. 

day.  Possess  us  with  more  of  that  faith,  which  is  the 
principle  and  medium  of  all  vital  godliness;  may  we  be 
rich  in  faith ;  may  we  be  strong  in  faith.  By  faith  may 
we  walk.  May  we  feel  the  joy  of  faith  ;  and  do  the  work 
of  faith.  May  we  abound  in  hope ;  may  the  charity  of 
every  one  of  us,  towards  each  other,  increase ;  and  may 
we  be  filled  with  all  the  fruits  of  righteousness,  which 
are  by  Jesus  Christ,  to  the  glory  and  praise  of  God. 

Through  another  day  thou  hast  spared  us,  and  blessed 
us.  May  thy  goodness  lead  us  to  repentance,  and  thy 
long-suffering  prove  our  salvation.  Let  no  evil  befall  us, 
and  no  plague  come  nigh  our  dwelling,  this  night ;  and 
in  the  morning  may  we  rise  to  walk  before  the  Lord,  in 
the  land  of  the  living,  and  to  show  forth  all  his  praise. 

We  implore  it,  in  the  name  of  him  who  died  for  our  sins, 
rose  again  for  our  justification,  and  ever  liveth  to  make 
intercession  for  us ;  and  to  whom,  with  the  Father,  and 
Holy  Spirit,  be  ascribed  everlasting  praise.     Amen. 

SATURDAY  MORNING.  Jay. 

Let  not  the  Lord  be  angry,  while  we,  who  are  but  dust 
and  ashes,  take  upon  us  to  speak  unto  the  living  God. 
Pardon  our  unworthiness ;  help  our  infirmities;  and 
hearken  unto  the  voice  of  our  cry,  our  king  and  our  God, 
for  unto  thee  will  we  pray. 

Thou  art  good  to  all;  and  we  have  largely  shared 
with  thy  creatures,  the  bounties  of  thy  providence:  our 
forfeited  lives  have  not  only  been  continued,  but  crowned 
with  thy  goodness.  Thou  hast  provided  for  our  souls  as 
well  as  for  our  bodies ;  and  we  hear  a  thousand  voices  in- 
viting us  to  the  feast,  and  saying,  Come,  for  all  things  are 
now  ready.  Thanks  be  unto  God,  for  his  unspeakable 
gift ;  we  bless  thee  for  a  Saviour,  who  died  for  our  sins, 


FAMILY  PRAYER.  171 

and  rose  again  for  our  justification,  and  is  now  ascended 
far  above  all  heavens  that  he  might  fill  all  things. 

May  we  be  made  the  partakers  of  Christ,  and  not  only 
of  his  righteousness — but  of  his  spirit :  that  we  may  be 
— not  only  padoned  but  renewed ;  and  not  only  have  a 
title  to  heaven,  but  a  meetness  for  it.  No  longer  alienated 
from  the  life  of  God,  may  our  meditations  of  thee  be 
sweet,  and  may  we  draw  near  to  thee  as  to  our  exceed- 
ing joy.  May  we  confide  in  thy  promises,  and  rely  on 
thy  constant  protection  and  care.  May  we  be  devoted 
to  thy  service,  and  find  it  perfect  freedom.  May  we  love 
obedience ;  may  thy  law  be  within  our  heart 

May  thy  cause  be  dear  to  our  souls.  We  pray  that 
thy  word  may  have  free  course  and  be  glorified.  Let  thy 
church  not  only  be  multiplied  in  number,  but  increased 
in  knowledge,  and  sanctity,  and  peace,  and  concord,  and 
joy;  so  that  it  may  be  a  praise  in  the  whole  earth.  Let 
the  light  of  the  moon  be  as  the  light  of  the  sun,  and  the 
light  of  the  sun  be  seven-fold,  as  the  light  of  seven  days. 
For  brass,  bring  gold ;  and  for  iron,  silver ;  and  for  wood, 
brass ;  and  for  stones,  iron. 

Thou  dost  not  stand  in  need  of  us;  but  in  thy  conde- 
scension and  wisdom,  thou  art  pleased  to  make  use  of 
means ;  and  we  desire  the  honour  and  happiness  of  being 
instruments  in  thy  hand.  Lord,  what  wilt  thou  have  us 
to  do  1  We  would  value  every  day  afforded  us,  as  a 
new  period  of  usefulness.  May  we  be  anxious  to  accom- 
plish all  we  can  to  alleviate  human  woe,  and  to  advance 
the  temporal  and  spiritual  welfare  of  all  around  us. 

And  may  we  be  not  only  zealous,  but  persevering.  May 
we  never  be  discouraged.  May  we  never  grow  weary 
in  well-doing. 

While  many  go  back  after  following  the  Saviour,  may 
we  cleave  to  him  with  purpose  of  heart;  and  at  last, 
hear  him  say,  Ye  are  they  who  have  continued  with  me 


172  FAMILY  RELIGION. 

in  my  temptation,  and  I  appoint  unto  you  a  kingdom,  as 
my  Father  also  hath  appointed  unto  me. 

We  wpuld  not  forget  the  afflicted.  Hear  the  sighing 
of  the  needy ;  cause  the  widow's  heart  to  sing  for  joy ; 
and  in  thee  may  the  fatherless  find  mercy.  Remove  in- 
disposition and  disease  from  those  who  are  exercised 
thereby ;  or  assure  them  of  that  world  where  the  inhabit- 
ant no  more  says,  I  am  sick. 

Be  with  us  all  through  the  changing  scenes  of  life,  and 
at  the  hour  of  dissolution ;  when  heart  and  flesh  fail — 
and  fail  they  soon  will — be  thou  the  strength  of  our 
heart,  and  our  portion  for  ever.  If  death  should  be  sud- 
den, let  it  not  find  us  unprepared ;  if  it  should  be  awful 
in  the  apprehension,  let  it  be  safe  in  the  result;  and  if  we 
cannot  depart  in  triumph,  may  we  expire  in  humble  hope ; 
saying  with  numbers  before  us, 

A  guilty,  weak,  and  helpless  worm, 

On  thy  kind  arm  I  fall ; 
Be  thou  my  strength  and  righteousness, 

My  Jesus  and  my  all. 

And  through  eternal  ages,  may  it  be  our  privilege  to 
unite  with  those  who  are  singing,  unto  him  that  loved  us, 
and  washed  us  from  our  sins  in  his  own  blood,  and  hath 
made  us  kings  and  priests  unto  God,  and  to  his  Father, 
be  glory  and  dominion  for  ever  and  ever.     Amen 

SATURDAY  EVENING.  Jay. 

O  Lord  God  of  Hosts;  thou  hast  established  thy 
throne  in  the  heavens,  and  thy  kingdom  ruleth  over  all. 
It  is  a  source  of  joy  to  our  minds,  and  of  encouragement 
to  our  hopes,  that  the  Lord  God  Omnipotent  reigneth. 
In  thy  greatness,  we  see  thy  all-sufficiency  to  accomplish 
all  that  thou  hast  promised ;  to  confer  upon  us  all  we 


FAMILY  PRAYER.  173 

need ;  and  to  do  for  us  exceeding  abundantly,  above  all 
we  can  ask  or  think. 

It  is,  therefore,  good  for  us  to  draw  near  to  thee ;  and 
it  is  our  mercy  to  know,  that  we  can  approach  thee  with 
confidence  of  acceptance  and  success,  founded  not  on 
any  worthiness  or  works  of  our  own,  but  on  thy  own 
grace,  in  the  appointment  of  a  Mediator,  who  hast  put 
away  sin  by  the  sacrifice  of  himself,  and  opened  a  new 
and  living  way,  into  the  holiest  of  all,  by  his  own  blood. 

We  have  no  other  name  to  plead ;  and  we  need  no 
other.  Behold,  O  God,  our  shield,  and  look  upon  the  face 
of  thine  Anointed :  and  for  his  sake,  who  groaned  in  the 
garden,  and  died  upon  the  cross,  and  now  appears  in  thy 
presence  for  us,  pardon  our  iniquity,  for  it  is  great; 
cleanse  us  from  all  unrighteousness ;  deliver  us  from  the 
power  of  darkness ;  and  translate  us  into  the  kingdom  of 
thy  dear  Son. 

May  we  no  longer  be  strangers  and  foreigners,  but  fel- 
low citizens  with  the  saints,  and  of  the  household  of 
God ;  and  because  we  are  sons,  send  forth  the  spirit  of 
thy  Son  into  our  hearts,  crying  Abba,  Father.  May  our 
intercourse  with  thee,  be  free  and  delightful,  and  constant ; 
and  not  on  peculiar  occasions  only,  but  in  every  thing, 
by  prayer  and  supplication,  with  thanksgiving,  may  we 
make  known  our  requests  unto  thee.  May  we  live  in  thy 
presence. 

May  we  walk  with  God — and  walk  humbly  with  God ; 
sensible  of  our  deficiencies  and  desert ;  admiring  thy  con- 
descension and  patience ;  and  bowing  to  all  thy  dispensa- 
tions, without  murmuring  or  repining. 

May  we  not  only  submit  to  our  trials,  but  be  grateful 
for  them.  They  are  designed  for  our  profit,  that  we  may 
be  partakers  of  thy  holiness.  They  evince  a  care  of 
which  we  are  unworthy,  and  which  we  have  never  pro- 
perly repaid.     Lord,  what  is  man,  that  thou  shouldst 

15* 


174  FAMILY  RELIGION. 

magnify  him?  that  thou  shouldst  set  thy  heart  upon  him; 
that  thou  shouldst  visit  him  every  morning,  and  chasten 
him  every  moment  1  So  impatient,  and  wayward,  and 
foolish  have  we  been  under  thy  hand,  that  we  have  for- 
feited all  claim  to  the  rod,  and  deserve  to  be  stricken  no 
more.  It  would  be  just  in  thee  to  say,  They  are  joined  to 
idols,  let  them  alone.  But,  O  Lord,  abandon  us  not  to 
ourselves ;  treat  us  not  with  neglect.  Employ  whatever 
means  are  necessary  to  save  and  sanctify  our  souls.  Try 
us  as  thou  pleasest,  only  while  we  are  chastened  of  the 
Lord,  let  us  not  be  condemned  with  the  wicked. 

Humble  us  under  a  review  of  our  depravity,  through 
another  day,  and  another  week,  which  is  now  hastening 
to  join  the  days  and  weeks  before  the  flood.  Who  can 
understand  his  errors'?  In  many  things  we  all  offend. 
Hide  thy  face  from  our  sins.  Heal  our  backslidings,  and 
receive  us  graciously. 

On  the  coming  day,  let  thy  good  spirit  lead  us  to  thy 
holy  hill,  and  to  thy  tabernacle.  May  we  go  unto  the 
altar  of  God  as  to  our  exceeding  joy,  and  taste  the 
blessedness  of  those  that  dwell  in  thy  house,  and  are  stil1 
praising  thee.  Teach  us  to  value  properly  the  means  of 
grace,  and  be  concerned  to  derive  from  them,  the  benefit 
they  are  designed  to  afford.  May  we  remember  our  ac- 
countableness  for  them.  May  we  remember,  that  they 
never  leave  us  as  they  find  us ;  but  always  prove  the 
savour  of  life  unto  life,  or  of  death  unto  death. 

Let  not  our  attendance  add  to  our  sins  and  condemna- 
tion. Let  us  not  sing  without  devotion,  pray  without  de- 
sire, and  hear  in  vain ;  but  be  found  in  the  number  of 
those,  who  know  the  joyful  sound,  and  walk  in  the  fear 
of  the  Lord,  and  in  the  comforts  of  the  Holy  Ghost. 

And  may  those  who  will  not  be  able  to  hear  the  word, 
hear  the  rod,  and  hear  it  saying,  As  many  as  I  love,  I 
rebuke  and  chasten.     Let  meditation,  and  reading,  and 


FAMILY  PRAYER.  175 

pious  conversation,  and  above  all,  thy  special  presence, 
be  substitutes  for  public  ordinances.  And  have  mercy 
upon  all  men,  as  we  implore  it  through  the  mediation  of 
the  ever  blessed  Redeemer,  in  whose  words  we  address 
thee. — Our  Father,  who  art  in  heaven,  hallowed  be  thy 
name,  thy  kingdom  come,  thy  will  be  done  on  earth,  as  it 
is  in  heaven ;  give  us  this  day  our  daily  bread,  and  for- 
give us  our  trespasses  as  we  forgive  those  that  trespass 
against  us ;  and  lead  us  not  into  temptation,  but  deliver 
us  from  evil,  for  thine  is  the  kingdom,  the  power,  and  the 
glory,  for  ever.     Amen. 


FOURTH   WEEK. 

SUNDAY  MORNING.  Ed, 

Almighty  and  ever  blessed  God,  in  whom  we  live,  and 
move,  and  have  our  being !  we  adore  thee  as  our  Creator, 
Preserver,  and  Benefactor.  Enable  us  at  this  time  to 
worship  thee,  who  art  a  Spirit,  in  spirit  and  in  truth.  We 
believe  that  thou  art,  and  that  thou  art  the  rewarder  of 
all  those  who  diligently  seek,  and  faithfully  serve  thee. 
Thou  hast  mercifully  defended  us  from  all  the  dangers 
of  the  past  night,  and  kindly  brought  us  to  the  light,  and 
duties,  and  privileges  of  another  Sabbath  day.  We  would 
adore  that  ever  watchful  Providence,  which  has  hitherto 
guarded  our  bodies  and  souls  from  the  perils  to  which 
they  have  been  constantly  exposed.  We  would  bless  and 
praise  thee,  O  thou  Keeper  of  Israel !  for  that  undeserved 
protection  which  thou  hast  extended  over  us.  We  bless 
thee  for  the  comfortable  supply  of  all  our  wants,  and  for 
the  bountiful  provision  thou  hast  graciously  made  for  our 
temporal  and  spiritual  necessities.  Especially  we  would 
call  upon  our  souls,  and  all  that  is  within  us,  to  magnify 


176  FAMILY  RELIGION. 

the  riches  of  that  grace  which  thou  hast  exercised  in  the 
gift  of  thy  only  begotten  Son,  to  be  a  sacrifice  for  our 
sins.  We  render  thee  hearty  thanks  for  the  gift  of  the 
Holy  Ghost,  for  all  the  ordinances  of  thine  house,  for  the 
promises  of  thy  word,  and  for  the  hope  of  glory  through 
thy  grace.  May  we  this  day  worship  thee  in  the  beauty 
of  holiness.  May  thy  truth  be  food  to  our  souls,  and 
may  we  be  strengthened  thereby  for  every  duty  and  trial 
of  life.  Aid  thy  ministering  servants  to  declare  thy  whole 
counsel  this  day.  With  fidelity  and  simplicity  may  they 
preach  Christ  crucified  to  perishing  sinners.  And  may 
thy  gospel  prove  to  be  the  wisdom  and  power  of  God,  to 
their  salvation. 

Most  merciful  Father,  own  us,  who  are  now  bowed 
before  thee,  to  be  thy  children.  Grant  us  the  spirit  of 
adoption,  and  may  thy  Spirit  witness  with  our  spirits  that 
we  have  been  begotten  through  thy  truth,  and  renewed 
unto  thy  most  holy  image.  May  we  daily  grow  in  grace, 
and  in  the  knowledge  of  thy  Son,  and  steadily  walk  in 
the  ways  of  thy  commandments.  Shed  abroad  thy  love 
in  our  hearts,  and  renew  us  more  and  more  in  the  tem- 
per of  our  minds.  May  all  the  members  of  this  family 
belong  to  the  household  of  faith,  and  may  they  bring  forth 
fruits  meet  for  repentance.  May  our  lives  and  conver- 
sation be  such  as  becometh  the  gospel  of  Christ ;  and  may 
every  Christian  grace  be  in  lively  exercise  in  our  hearts. 
Our  iniquities  are  many  and  great  in  thy  sight,  and  they 
have  been  aggravated  by  the  mercies  thou  hast  bestowed 
upon  us,  and  by  the  privileges  we  have  enjoyed.  We 
come  short  of  thy  glory,  and  richly  deserve  thy  wrath. 
But  our  hope  is  in  thee.  The  blood  of  Christ  cleanseth 
from  all  sin,  and  through  his  righteousness  we  may  be 
justified.  For  his  sake,  O  God,  have  mercy  on  us,  and 
pardon  our  sins.  Give  us  true  repentance  and  deep  hu- 
mility, and  enable  us  to  exercise  saving  faith  in  the  atone- 


FAMILY  PRAYER.  177 

ment  of  our  divine  Redeemer.  May  the  knowledge  of  the 
Saviour  soon  cover  the  earth,  as  the  waters  cover  the 
sea.  May  thy  name  be  hallowed  throughout  the  world, 
and  may  all  nations  be  soon  brought  to  the  obedience 
of  the  faith  of  the  gospel.  All  we  ask  and  offer  is  through 
the  prevailing  name  of  our  adorable  Mediator,  to  whom 
be  glory  for  ever  and  ever.     Amen. 

SUNDAY  EVENING.  Jenks. 

O  Lord !  thou  dost  not  bid  us  seek  thy  face  in  vain,  nor 
serve  thee  for  nought ;  but  thou  hast  pleasure  in  the  pros- 
perity of  thy  servants,  and  dost  bless  us,  not  according 
to  our  imperfect  services,  but  according  to  the  infinite 
riches  of  thy  mercy.  Thy  laws,  O  gracious  Lord,  are 
holy,  just,  and  good,  tending  to  promote  our  present  and 
eternal  happiness :  it  is  therefore  nothing  in  them,  but  the 
sinfulness  of  our  depraved  nature,  that  makes  them  ap- 
pear grievous  and  hard.  Nor  is  it  any  thing  in  thy  blessed 
service,  but  in  sluggishness  and  indisposition  of  our  own 
vile  hearts,  that  makes  tedious  to  us  any  part  of  that 
work  which  is  the  joy  of  angels,  and  the  honour  and  in- 
terest of  all  who  serve  thee. 

Holy  God !  we  are  all  as  an  unclean  thing,  and  all  our 
righteousnesses  are  as  filthy  rags ;  nor  can  we  hope  to 
be  justified  in  thy  sight,  on  account  of  any  works  or 
worth  of  our  own ;  for  by  our  own  hearts  and  deeds  we 
are  reproved  and  condemned,  and  should  be  left  speech- 
less in  thy  judgment,  if  thou,  O  Lord,  shouldst  call  us  to 
account,  according  to  the  merits  even  of  our  best  services. 
But  we  desire  to  take  refuge  and  sanctuary  under  the 
shadow  of  our  crucified  Saviour ;  and  to  be  found  in  him, 
not  having  on  our  own  righteousness  which  is  of  the  law, 
but  that  which  is  by  the  faith  of  Jesus  Christ,  that  the 
shame  of  our  nakedness  may  be  covered,  and  all  our  sin- 


178  FAMILY  RELIGION. 

ful  deformities  hid  from  thine  eyes ;  that  thou  mayest  for- 
give us  mercifully,  and  receive  us  graciously,  and  love 
us  freely  in  the  Son  of  thy  love,  in  whom  thou  art  well 
pleased. 

Command  thy  blessing,  O  Lord  !  we  pray  thee,  upon 
the  word  which  we  have  this  day  heard,  and  upon  all 
the  means  of  grace  that  have  been  employed  for  the  good 
of  our  souls.  It  is  not  of  him  that  planteth,  nor  of  him 
that  watereth,  but  of  thee,  our  God,  who  giveth  the  in- 
crease. O  be  thou  pleased  to  follow  the  preaching  of  thy 
word  with  the  powerful  influences  of  thy  grace  and  holy 
Spirit,  that  it  may  be  the  savour  of  life  to  our  souls,  and 
the  power  of  God  to  our  salvation.  O  let  us  so  hide  thy 
word  in  our  hearts,  that  we  may  not  sin  against  thee,  but 
that  it  may  be  a  treasure  within  us ;  to  strengthen  us  in 
every  hour  of  temptation,  and  aid  us  in  all  times  of  need ; 
that  we  may  walk  more  humbly  and  closely  with  thee, 
and  more  circumspectly  before  the  world. 

Supply  the  want  of  thy  public  ordinances,  we  beseech 
thee,  by  the  immediate  teaching  of  thy  good  Spirit,  to  all 
such  as  through  any  unavoidable  hindrances  are  kept 
from  them.  Continue  to  us,  O  gracious  Lord,  the  light 
of  thy  gospel,  and  all  the  opportunities  of  serving  thee, 
which  we  now  enjoy.  And  preserve  us  by  thy  grace, 
from  the  curse  of  barrenness,  under  all  thine  abundant 
mercies  and  the  means  of  grace ;  for  it  were  better  never 
to  have  had  them,  than  not  to  be  the  better  for  them. 
That  they  may  not,  therefore,  rise  up  in  judgment  against 
us,  O  make  them  now  efficacious,  and  write  thy  laws  in 
our  hearts,  and  accomplish  all  the  purposes  of  grace  in 
our  souls,  that  thy  truth  may  shine  forth  with  a  convinc- 
ing splendour  in  our  lives. 

We  give  thee  thanks,  O  Lord  God,  our  heavenly 
Father !  for  the  mercies  of  this  day,  and  for  thy  great 
mercy  and  goodness  which  has  hitherto  followed  us  all 


FAMILY  PRAYER.  179 

the  days  of  our  lives.  Blessed  be  thy  name,  O  most 
merciful  Father,  that  thou  hast  defended  us  from  so  many 
dangers  in  our  lives,  which  threatened  to  destroy  us,  and 
delivered  us  out  of  so  many  troubles,  under  which  we 
should  have  sunk  and  perished,  if  thou  hadst  not  been 
nigh  to  us,  and  done  great  things  for  us.  We  bless  thee 
for  our  health  and  plenty,  peace  and  liberty,  for  the  use 
of  our  reason,  limbs  and  senses,  and  for  the  comforts  of 
all  thy  good  creatures ;  for  the  kindness  of  friends,  and 
safety  from  our  enemies ;  for  the  benefits  and  refreshments 
of  society,  and  the  success  and  prosperity  of  our  affairs 
here  in  the  world.  But  above  all,  we  bless  thee  for  the  mer- 
cies and  blessings  relating  to  the  world  ^o  come ;  for  Je- 
sus Christ,  and  all  spiritual  blessings  in  heavenly  things 
in  him,  tending  to  the  salvation  of  our  souls;  for  remem- 
bering us  in  our  low  estate,  and  sending  eternal  redemp- 
tion to  us  by  the  hands  of  thy  dear  Son  ;  for  the  light 
and  direction  of  thy  word ;  for  the  teachings  and  striv- 
ings, the  aids  and  consolations  of  thy  Spirit ;  for  all  the 
means  and  helps  which  we  have  to  do  us  good ;  for  all 
thy  grace  wrought  in  us,  and  bestowed  upon  us ;  and  for 
all  the  discoveries  and  hopes  of  eternal  glory  wThich  thou 
hast  given  to  us.  O  how  infinitely  indebted  are  we  to  the 
kindness  and  love  of  God  our  Saviour !  O  that  we  may 
ever  be  sensible  and  thankful  as  we  ought !  And  with  all 
that  thou  hast  given  us,  blessed  God,  give  us  hearts  filled 
with  thy  love,  and  lifted  up  in  thy  praise,  and  devoted  to 
thy  honour  and  service. 

Defend  us,  O  Lord !  from  the  dangers  of  this  night, 
and  bring  us  in  peace  and  health  to  the  light  and  duties 
of  another  day.  Forgive  all  the  sins  we  have  committed 
this  day,  and  especially  the  sins  which  have  mixed  with 
our  holy  employments.  To  us  belong  shame  and  confu- 
sion. To  thee  belong  praise  and  glory,  which,  through 
Christ  our  Mediator,  we  would  render  for  ever  and  ever. 
Amen. 


180  FAMILY  RELIGION. 

MONDAY  MORNING.       Lon.  Ch.  Ob. 

Almighty  and  ever-living  God !  we  acknowledge  our- 
selves bound,  by  innumerable  obligations,  to  praise  and 
adore,  to  love  and  serve  thee.  From  thee  we  have  re- 
ceived our  being.  Thou  art  our  constant  preserver  and 
bountiful  benefactor  ;  the  source  of  every  present  enjoy- 
ment, and  the  spring  of  all  our  future  hopes.  Thou  hast 
also,  in  thine  infinite  condescension,  been  pleased  to  look 
down  with  pity  on  our  fallen  race,  and  freely  to  offer  sal- 
vation to  us  through  Jesus  Christ  We  adore  thee  for 
the  knowledge  of  thy  will,  for  the  promises  of  thy  mer- 
cy and  grace,  ana"  for  the  joyful  prospect  of  eternal  life 
so  clearly  revealed  in  thy  holy  word.  Possess  our  minds, 
O  Lord,  with  such  a  deep  sense  and  firm  persuasion  of 
the  important  truths  which  are  there  made  known  to  us, 
as  shall  powerfully  influence  and  regulate  all  our  thoughts, 
words,  and  actions. 

But  while  we  celebrate  thy  goodness  towards  us,  we 
have  cause  to  be  ashamed  of  our  own  conduct.  We 
have  good  reason,  O  Lord,  to  be  humbled  before  thee  on 
account  of  the  coldness  and  insensibility  of  our  hearts ; 
the  disorder  and  irregularity  of  our  lives ;  and  the  pre- 
valence of  worldly  and  carnal  affections  within  us.  Too 
often  have  we  indulged  the  passions  and  appetites  which 
we  ought  to  have  opposed  and  subdued,  and  have  left 
our  duty  unperformed :  and  we  find  a  daily  occasion  to 
lament  our  proneness  to  corrupt  inclinations  and  sinful 
lusts,  and  our  reluctance  to  the  practice  of  what  is 
agreeable  to  thy  will.  O  Lord,  be  merciful  to  us  miserable 
sinners,  and  forgive  us  for  thy  Son  Jesus  Christ's  sake. 
Produce  in  us  deep  and  unfeigned  repentance  for  our 
manifold  transgressions ;  and  a  lively  faith  in  that  Saviour 
who  hath  died  for  our  sins,  and  risen  again  for  our  justi- 
fication.    And  may  thy  pardoning  mercy  be  accompa- 


FAMILY  PRAYER.  181 

nied  with  the  sanctifying  influence  of  thy  Holy  Spirit, 
that  we  may  no  more  sin  against  thee  ;  but  may  we  live, 
from  henceforth,  as  becomes  the  redeemed  of  the  Lord, 
and  the  candidates  for  a  happy  immortality.  Put  thy 
fear  into  our  hearts  that  we  may  never  more  depart  from 
thee.  May  thy  blessed  will  set  bounds  to  our  desires, 
and  regulate  all  our  passions.  May  our  affections  be 
fixed,  not  on  present  objects,  but  on  those  which  are  un- 
seen and  eternal.  Convince  us  more  effectually  of  the 
vanity  of  this  world,  and  its  utter  insufficiency  to  make 
us  happy;  of  the  vileness  of  sin,  and  its  tendency  to  make 
us  for  ever  miserable ;  of  the  value  of  our  souls,  and  the 
awfulness  of  that  everlasting  state  on  the  borders  of  which 
we  are  standing :  and  may  we  be  serious  and  diligent 
in  our  preparation  for  death  and  judgment. 

We  desire  this  morning  to  offer  thee  the  sacrifice  of 
thanksgiving  for  the  watchful  care  of  thy  Providence  exer- 
cised over  us  during  the  past  night.  We  laid  us  down  to 
sleep,  and,  blessed  be  thy  name,  we  have  arisen  in  safety. 
May  the  lives  which  thou  hast  mercifully  prolonged  be 
devoted  entirely  to  thy  service.  Graciously  continue  thy 
protection  and  favour  to  us  this  day.  Save  us  from  sin, 
we  beseech  thee,  and  from  all  other  evils,  if  it  be  thy 
blessed  will.  Enable  us  faithfully  to  perform  every  re- 
lative duty  under  an  abiding  sense  of  thy  presence  and  of 
our  accountableness  to  thee.  May  we,  as  a  family,  dwell 
together  in  peace  and  unity.  May  we  put  away  from  us 
every  angry  and  discordant  passion;  and  loving  thee 
with  a  supreme  affection,  may  we  love  each  other 
with  pure  hearts  fervently.  Preserve  us,  O  Lord,  from 
the  influence  of  those  temptations  to  which  we  are  daily 
exposed.  Make  us  duly  sensible  of  our  own  weakness, 
that  our  hearts  may  be  raised  to  thee  in  humble  and  fer- 
vent supplications  for  the  needful  supplies  of  grace  and 
strength.    When  we  are  in  company,  may  it  be  our  care 

16 


182  FAMILY  RELIGION. 

to  do  and  to  receive  as  much  good  as  possible.  When 
we  are  alone,  may  we  remember  that  our  heavenly 
father  is  with  us;  and  may  this  thought  excite  in  us  an 
earnest  desire  to  act  as  in  thy  sight. 

Bless,  we  pray  thee,  the  President  of  these  United 
States,  and  all  others  in  authority.  Endue  them  plenteously 
with  wisdom  and  grace  from  on  High.  May  all  mankind 
be  visited  with  the  light  of  the  gospel ;  and  may  its  influ 
ence  be  more  widely  diffused  in  this  land.  In  tender  mer- 
cy regard  all  who  are  in  affliction  of  whatever  kind. 
Grant  unto  our  dear  friends  and  relations  every  blessing 
which  thou  knowest  to  be  needful  for  them.  May  they 
and  we  experience  thy  favour  in  this  life,  and  in  the 
world  to  come  life  everlasting. 

We  offer  up  these  our  imperfect  prayers  in  the  name 
of  our  only  mediator  and  advocate  Jesus  Christ.     Amen. 


MONDAY  EVENING.     Lon.  Ch.  Ob. 

Almighty  and  most  merciful  Father,  in  whom  we  live 
and  move,  and  have  our  being :  to  thy  tender  compassion 
are  we  indebted  for  all  the  comforts  of  the  present  life, 
and  for  the  hopes  of  that  which  is  to  come.  We  bless 
thy  great  goodness  for  the  measure  of  health  which  we 
have  this  day  enjoyed ;  for  our  food  and  raiment ;  for 
our  peace  and  safety ;  for  our  domestic  and  social  en- 
joyments ;  for  the  use  of  our  reason ;  and  for  the  op- 
portunities of  religious  improvement  with  which  we  have 
been  favoured.  But  above  all,  we  acknowledge,  with 
thankful  adoration,  thine  inestimable  love  in  sending  thy 
Son  Jesus  Christ  into  the  world,  to  die  for  our  sins,  and 
to  rise  again  for  our  justification.  To  this  love  we  owe 
thy  forbearance  with  us,  thine  unwearied  patience  to- 
wards us,  the  gracious  invitations  of  thy  word,  thy  pro- 
mises of  pardon,  reconciliation,  and  eternal  life,  and  the 


FAMILY  PRAYER.  183 

gift  of  thy  holy  spirit  to  renew  our  fallen  natures  and  to 
enable  us  to  perform  thy  righteous  will. 

Here,  O  Lord,  in  thy  presence,  would  we  bewail  our 
carelessness  and  inconsideration  in  time  past,  and  the  in- 
numerable sins  whereby  we  have  provoked  thee  to  with- 
draw thy  tender  mercies  from  us,  and  to  abandon  us  to 
the  natural  blindness  and  hardness  of  our  hearts.  Our 
lives,  even  during  the  day  which  is  now  drawing  to  a 
close,  have  little  corresponded  with  those  obligations 
which  our  christian  profession  lays  upon  us,  and  which, 
by  our  baptismal  engagement,  we  have  solemnly  promised 
to  fulfil.  We  have  loved  the  world  more  than  God ;  and 
we  have  been  pursuing  its  vain  and  worthless  objects, 
far  more  eagerly  than  the  glory  and  the  treasures  of  thy 
kingdom.  How  little,  O  Lord,  have  we  felt  the  force  of 
gratitude  to  thee  and  to  Christ,  as  the  animating  spring 
of  our  obedience  !  How  little  have  we  been  restrained 
by  thy  fear  and  by  the  recollection  of  thy  presence,  from 
transgressing  thy  commandments  !  How  little  has  it  even 
been  in  our  thoughts  or  intentions  to  please  thee  and  to 
do  thy  will ! 

O  Lord,  lay  not  our  sins  to  our  charge.  Be  merciful, 
we  beseech  thee,  to  our  unrighteousness,  through  the 
blood  of  the  Lamb  of  God  which  was  shed  for  the  sins 
of  the  world.  Remember  not  against  us,  O  Lord,  the 
vanity  of  our  thoughts,  the  errors  of  our  judgment,  the 
pride  of  our  spirit,  the  inordinateness  of  our  desires,  the 
violence  of  our  passions,  the  inconstancy  of  our  resolu- 
tions, the  selfishness  of  our  motives,  or  the  unworthiness 
of  our  ends.  Let  not  the  time  we  have  wasted,  the 
talents  we  have  misapplied,  or  the  grace  we  have  abused  ; 
let  not  our  unkindness  to  others,  nor  our  ingratitude  to 
thee,  rise  up  in  judgment  against  us.  But  grant  unto  us 
thy  gracious  pardon  for  the  past ;  and  bestow  on  us  the 
grace  of  thy  holy  spirit  to  renew  us  in  body,  soul,  and 


184  FAMILY  RELIGION. 

spirit,  and  to  enable  us  to  amend  our  lives  according  to 
thy  holy  word.  Inspire  us,  O  Lord,  with  such  an  affect- 
ing sense  of  thy  love  to  us,  as  may  powerfully  excite  our 
love  to  thee,  and  produce  in  us  a  greater  earnestness, 
zeal,  and  diligence,  in  all  our  duty.  May  thy  favour  be 
the  great  object  of  our  desire  and  pursuit,  and  by  thy 
grace  may  we  be  restored  to  such  a  lively  image  of  thy- 
self in  all  righteousness,  purity,  goodness,  and  truth,  that 
we  may  have  an  abiding  testimony  of  thy  love.  May 
the  holy  dispositions  of  Jesus  Christ  be  formed  within  us, 
that  we  may  walk  in  all  humility,  meekness,  patience, 
contentedness,  and  self-denial,  and  make  an  entire  sur- 
render of  our  souls  and  bodies  to  thy  holy  will  and  plea- 
sure. May  Christ  reign  in  our  hearts,  that  we  may  no 
longer  live  to  ourselves,  but  to  him ;  and  that  the  life  we 
lead  in  the  flesh  may  be  by  the  faith  of  the  Son  of  God, 
who  loved  us,  and  gave  himself  for  us. 

And  the  same  mercies  which  we  implore  for  ourselves, 
we  desire  also  for  the  rest  of  mankind,  especially  for  all 
who  are  called  by  the  name  of  Christ.  Put  an  end,  O 
Lord,  to  the  wars  which  desolate  the  earth,  and  cause 
the  gospel  of  peace  to  extend  its  influence  from  the  rising 
to  the  setting  sun.  Avert  from  this  nation  the  evils  which 
we  feel  or  fear.  May  our  rulers  rule  in  thy  fear,  for 
the  good  of  this  nation,  and  to  the  extension  of  thy  glory. 
May  the  ministers  of  Christ  guide  their  flock  with  true 
wisdom  and  fidelity ;  and  may  the  people  follow  their 
godly  counsels.  J^Tay  the  rich  have  compassion  on  the 
poor,  and  learn  to  trust,  not  in  uncertain  riches,  but  in 
the  living  God.  May  the  poor  of  this  world  be  rich  in 
faith  and  a  contented  spirit,  and  heirs  of  thy  kingdom. 
Give  thy  grace  to  husbands  and  wives,  parents  and  child- 
ren, masters  and  servants,  that  in  their  several  relations 
they  may  so  behave  themselves  as  to  adorn  the  doctrine 
of  God  our  Saviour  in  all  things.     May  all  who  are  en- 


FAMILY  PRAYER.  185 

deared  to  us,  by  whatever  ties,  be  dear  to  thee,  and  have 
their  final  portion  with  the  saints  in  thy  glorious  kingdom. 

And  now  that  we  are  about  to  lay  ourselves  down  to 
rest,  receive  us,  O  Lord,  into  thy  gracious  protection. 
Refresh  us  with  comfortable  sleep :  and  when  we  awake 
in  the  morning  may  our  first  thoughts  be  directed  to  thee, 
our  merciful  Preserver.  Defend  us  from  the  powers  of 
darkness,  and  from  all  evil  accidents;  and  may  our 
minds  enjoy  such  delightful  views  of  thee  and  of  thy 
glory,  and  be  so  weaned  from  this  world,  that  we  may 
be  willing  at  thy  call,  to  depart  hence,  and  to  be  with 
Christ. 

Hear,  O  Lord,  these  our  imperfect  prayers  which  we 
present  unto  thee  in  the  name  and  through  the  mediation 
of  Jesus  Christ,  to  whom  be  glory  for  ever  and  ever. 
Amen. 

TUESDAY  MORNING.  Ed. 

O  Lord,  the  blessed  God  of  our  salvation  !  thou  art  the 
hope  of  all  the  ends  of  the  earth,  upon  whom  the  eyes 
of  all  do  wait ;  for  thou  hast  made  us,  and  dost  preserve 
us.  On  thee  we  depend  for  every  good  thing.  From 
thee  cometh  down  every  good  and  perfect  gift.  Although 
we  have  rebelled  against  thee,  thou  hast  not  destroyed 
us,  but  art  still  gracious,  and  ready  to  forgive.  Thou 
hast  watched  over  us  during  the  hours  of  our  rest.  Thou 
hast  permitted  no  evil  to  come  nigh  us.  And  thou  hast 
brought  us  in  peace  and  safety  to  the  light  and  duties  of 
another  day.  We  bless  and  praise  thee  for  this  unde- 
served protection.  Thy  mercies  are  new  every  morning, 
and  renewed  every  evening.  Thou  art  continually  af- 
fording us  fresh  occasions  for  praise  and  thankfulness. 
O  may  thy  goodness  lead  us  to  unfeigned  repentance. 
May  thy  preserving  care  be  extended  to  us  this  day. 
Keep  us  by  thy  mighty  power  from  evil  and  danger  of 

16* 


186  FAMILY  RELIGION. 

every  kind,  and  enable  us  to  live  not  unto  ourselves,  but 
unto  thee.  May  we  daily  walk  in  the  way  of  thy  com- 
mandments, glorifying  thee  in  our  souls  and  bodies  which 
are  thine.  Thou  hast  assured  us  in  thy  word,  that  if  we 
acknowledge  thee  in  all  our  ways,  thou  wilt  direct  our 
path :  we  would,  therefore,  commit  ourselves  and  all  that 
concerns  us,  entirely  to  thee,  to  be  guided  by  thy  wisdom, 
and  disposed  of  to  the  glory  of  thy  name. 

O  Lord  !  take  not  thy  Holy  Spirit  from  us,  nor  with- 
hold from  us  the  comforts  of  thy  presence.  Our  great 
sinfulness,  and  our  manifold  abuses  of  thy  grace  and 
goodness,  are  calculated  to  provoke  thy  displeasure,  and 
to  grieve  the  Holy  Spirit.  But,  Oh !  have  mercy  on  us, 
and  deal  not  with  us  according  to  our  ill  deserts,  but  ac- 
cording to  thy  loving  kindness  and  tender  compassion. 
Give  us  not  over  to  the  love  and  dominion  of  sin.  Spare 
us,  O  Lord,  and  give  us  true  repentance,  and  turn  us 
wholly  unto  thyself.  Mercifully  pardon  our  many  and 
aggravated  sins,  and  heal  all  our  spiritual  maladies.  Lift 
upon  us  the  light  of  thy  reconciled  countenance,  and  shed 
abroad  thy  love  in  our  hearts.  Grant  us  a  comfortable 
assurance  of  our  acceptance  with  thee,  that  we  may  re- 
joice in  thy  favour,  and  glory  in  the  God  of  our  salva- 
tion. As  guilty  sinners,  we  look  to  the  Cross,  and  behold 
by  faith  the  Lamb  of  God  for  sinners  slain.  Our  hope  is 
in  the  blood  of  Christ  which  cleanseth  from  all  sin.  As 
helpless  we  look  to  thee  for  strength,  and  rejoice  that 
Christ  is  our  strength  and  our  portion  for  ever.  As  naked, 
we  come  to  thee  to  be  clothed  in  the  spotless  robe  of  our 
Redeemer's  justifying  righteousness. 

While  we  are  in  the  flesh,  O  Lord,  give  to  us  all  things 
needful  and  convenient  for  us,  during  our  earthly  pilgrim- 
age. Make  us  humble  in  all  our  enjoyments,  and  sub- 
missive and  patient  under  all  our  trials,  and  sanctify  to  us 
all  the  events  of  thy  wise  and  adorable  providence,  till 


FAMILY  PRAYER.  187 

through  the  merits  of  thy  Son,  and  the  multitude  of  thy 
mercies,  we  are  received  into  that  rest  which  remaineth 
for  thy  people. 

Bless,  O  Lord,  this  highly  favoured  nation ;  a  nation 
like  Israel  of  old,  remarkable  for  its  mercies  and  sins. 
May  its  mercies  lead  us  to  repent  of  its  sins.  Avert  from 
it  every  impending  calamity.  Bless  all  in  authority  over 
us.  May  they  be  wise  and  upright,  impartial  and  firm, 
humble  and  prayerful.  Be  very  gracious  to  thy  church 
universal.  May  all,  of  every  name  and  denomination, 
experience  a  time  of  refreshing  from  thy  presence.  Re- 
vive thy  work,  O  Lord,  in  the  hearts  of  all  thy  people. 

Regard  in  mercy  our  dear  absent  friends.  Make  them 
all  thy  friends.  Guide  them  by  thy  counsel,  and  after- 
wards receive  them  to  glory. 

Bring  all  nations  to  the  knowledge  and  love  of  the 
truth  as  it  is  in  Jesus.  Hasten  the  coming  of  thy  king- 
dom, and  declare  the  glory  of  thy  grace  even  unto  the 
ends  of  the  earth.  All  we  ask  and  offer,  is  through  Jesus 
Christ  the  Mediator,  and  to  the  triune  God  be  glory  for 
ever  and  ever.     Amen. 

TUESDAY  EVENING.  Jenks. 

O  Lord  our  God  !  thou  art  infinitely  great,  and  infinite- 
ly good.  Thy  glory  is  above  all  our  conceptions,  and 
thy  mercies  are  over  all  thy  works.  And  above  all  thy 
mercies,  have  we  cause  to  admire,  and  bless,  and  praise 
thee  for  those  favours  which,  in  so  large  a  measure,  and 
in  so  especial  a  manner,  thou  hast  been  pleased  still  to 
vouchsafe  unto  us,  who  are  the  daily  objects  of  thy  boun- 
ty, and  do  continue  still  the  living  monuments  of  thy  good- 
ness. Where  thy  glorious  perfections  check  and  forbid 
our  approaches,  thy  gracious  attributes  invite  and  en- 
courage our  applications  unto  thee,  and  embolden  us  to 


188  FAMILY  RELIGION. 

look  up  to  thee,  as  our  most  merciful  and  kind  Father  in 
Jesus  Christ.  And  although  we  have  great  and  many 
sins  to  confess  to  thee,  yet  we  will  confess  them  in  the 
hope  of  thy  pardon,  and  of  power  from  on  high,  to  ena- 
ble us  to  avoid  them  in  all  future  time. 

Thou  didst  create  us,  O  Lord,  after  thine  own  blessed 
image,  in  an  holy  and  happy  estate ;  but  we  have  made 
ourselves  vile  and  miserable,  averse  to  good,  prone  to  evil, 
and  so  full  of  provocation,  that  it  is  thy  wonderful  pa- 
tience with  us,  and  loving  kindness  to  us,  that  thou  hast 
not,  ere  this,  cut  us  off  in  our  sins,  and  shut  us  up  under 
final  despair.  But  thou  hast  so  far  declared  thy  willing- 
ness to  be  reconciled  even  to  thy  enemies,  that  thou  hast 
sent  thy  only  Son  into  the  world,  upon  the  great  errand 
of  our  salvation ;  that  whosoever  believeth  in  him  should 
not  perish,  but  have  everlasting  life.  O  Lord  !  we  belie ve, 
help  thou  our  unbelief,  and  give  us  true  repentance  towards 
God,  and  faith  in  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  that  we  may  be 
of  the  number  of  those  who  do  indeed  repent  and  believe 
to  the  saving  of  their  souls. 

Save  us,  O  Lord,  from  ourselves,  and  from  the  love 
and  course  of  this  present  evil  world.  Make  for  us  a 
way  of  escape  out  of  all  the  snares  of  temptation,  where- 
with we  have  been  entangled,  and  hindered  in  runing 
the  race  set  before  us.  Make  thy  way  plain  before  us, 
that  we  may  constantly  wralk  therein.  And  may  our  ex- 
perience of  its  peace  and  goodness  be  more  effectual  to 
keep  and  encourage  us  in  the  same,  than  the  allurements 
and  discouragements  of  the  world,  to  lead  us  astray 
from  it.  O  Lord,  establish,  strengthen,  and  settle  us  in 
the  truth,  so  that  going  forth  in  thy  strength,  we  may  do 
thy  will  to  all  well  pleasing ;  and  continue  in  thy  fear  and 
love  all  the  days  of  our  lives. 

These  mercies  we  beg  not  only  for  ourselves,  but  for 
all  whom  we  should  remember  in  our  prayers.    O '  bring 


FAMILY  PRAYER.  189 

nigh  to  thee  by  the  blood  of  Christ,  all  those  that  are  yet 
afar  off,  and  make  manifest  the  glory  of  thy  grace  in  all 
lands,  that  such  as  yet  sit  in  darkness  and  in  the  shadow 
of  death,  may  see  the  light  of  thy  truth,  and  experience 
the  joy  of  thy  salvation. 

O  that  all  who  name  the  name  of  Christ  may  depart 
from  iniquity,  and  so  live  according  to  their  high  and  holy 
profession,  that  they  may  give  no  just  occasion  to  the 
enemies  of  the  Lord  to  blaspheme,  but  may  adorn  the 
doctrine  of  God  our  Saviour,  in  all  things,  and  by  godly 
living  and  well  doing,  put  to  silence  the  ignorance  of  fool- 
ish men. 

Be  gracious  and  favourable,  O  Lord,  in  an  especial 
manner,  to  thy  church.  Arise,  O  God,  and  plead  thy  own 
cause,  which  thou  hast  so  long  and  so  wonderfully  owned 
and  defended.  Let  not  her  enemies  prevail  against  her, 
but  may  all  who  espouse  thy  cause,  and  stand  up  for  the 
honour  and  defence  of  thy  truth,  be  prevalent  and  pros- 
perous in  all  their  endeavours. 

Bless  with  the  choicest  of  thy  blessings,  the  President 
of  these  United  States.  O  Lord,  protect  his  person,  di- 
rect his  counsels,  and  may  his  administration  be  comfort- 
able to  himself  and  us.  Prosper  all  his  undertakings  and 
endeavours  for  the  public  safety,  and  for  the  peace  and 
welfare  of  these  States.  Give  all  magistrates  wisdom, 
grace,  and  courage,  to  discharge  aright  their  respective 
duties.  Make  the  ministers  of  thy  word  an  example  to 
the  flock,  in  all  sobriety,  righteousness,  and  holiness  of 
living ;  and  establish  us  all  an  holy  people  to  thyself;  grant- 
ing us  one  heart  and  one  way,  that  we  may  all  agree  in 
the  same  faith,  and  adorn  it  with  a  suitable  and  consist- 
ent life.  Forgive  our  enemies,  if  we  have  them,  and  turn 
their  hearts,  and  turn  ours  to  forgive  them.  And  direct 
all  our  ways  to  please  thee,  that  thou  mayest  make  even 
our  enemies  to  be  at  peace  with  us. 


190  FAMILY  RELIGION. 

Hear  us,  O  God  of  the  spirits  of  all  flesh !  hear  us  for 
ourselves  and  others ;  and  hear  others  for  themselves  and 
us ;  and  hear  the  Son  of  thy  love,  in  behalf  of  thy  whole 
church,  for  it  is  through  his  blessed  mediation  that  we 
offer  these  our  prayers  and  thanksgivings,  to  whom  with 
the  Father  and  Holy  Spirit  be  glory  for  ever.     Amen. 


WEDNESDAY  MORNING.  Jenks. 

O  Lord  God,  merciful  and  gracious,  long  suffering,  and 
abundant  in  goodness  and  truth  !  Thou  keepest  mercy  for 
thousands,  pardonest  iniquity,  transgression  and  sin,  and 
dost  not  retain  thy  anger  for  ever,  because  thou  delightest 
in  mercy.  How  excellent  is  thy  loving  kindness,  O  God ! 
therefore  do  the  sons  of  men  put  their  trust  under  the 
shadow  of  thy  wings.  And  therefore  do  we  desire  still 
to  look  up  to  thy  bountiful  hand,  whence  we  have  re- 
ceived all  our  good  things.  O  Lord  our  God !  be  thou 
pleased  to  look  down  mercifully  upon  us,  and  be  gracious 
and  favourable  to  us,  as  thou  art  wont  to  be  unto  those 
that  love  thy  name.  O  look  not  upon  tfte  sin  of  our  na- 
ture, nor  the  sins  of  our  hearts  and  lives;  which  are 
more  than  we  can  remember,  and  greater  than  we  can 
express ;  and  such  as  make  us  vile,  even  in  our  own 
eyes ;  and  so  highly  guilty  before  thy  holy  Majesty,  that 
it  is  of  the  Lord's  mercies  we  are  not  consumed,  because 
thy  compassions  fail  not.  But  behold  us  in  mercy, 
through  the  merits  and  mediation  of  thy  Son  our  Saviour, 
who  did  no  sin,  and  was  manifested  that  he  might  take 
away  our  sins :  by  whom  it  is  that  we  have  this  access 
to  the  Majesty  on  high,  and  encouragement  to  come  into 
thy  presence,  to  ask  what  we  need. 

And  seeing  there  is  in  Christ  Jesus  an  infinite  fulness 
of  all  that  ever  we  can  want  or  wish  to  make  us  holy, 
and  to  make  us  most  blessed  eternally :  0  that  we  may 


FAMILY  PRAYER.  191 

all  receive  of  his  fulness  grace  sufficient  for  us ;  to  par- 
don our  sins  and  subdue  our  iniquities ;  to  justify  our 
persons,  and  to  sanctify  our  souls ;  and  to  complete  upon 
our  hearts  and  lives  that  holy  renovating  change,  which 
may  still  more  and  more  transform  us  into  the  blessed 
image  after  which  thou  didst  create  us;  and  make  us 
still  more  meet  to  be  partakers  of  the  inheritance  of  thy 
saints  in  light. 

And  teach  us,  O  Lord  our  God,  to  use  this  world  with- 
out abusing  it,  and  to  enjoy  the  things  of  it,  without 
losing  our  part  in  thy  love,  which  is  better  than  life. 
Whatever  we  have  of  the  world,  0  may  we  have  the 
same  with  thy  permission  and  love,  sanctified  to  us  by 
the  word  of  God,  and  prayer ;  and  by  the  right  employ- 
ment and  improvement  thereof  to  thy  glory,  who  art 
the  gracious  Giver  of  all  our  good  things.  And  whatso- 
ever we  want  of  the  things  of  this  life,  O  Lord  our 
heavenly  Father,  leave  us  not  destitute  of  any  of  those 
things  that  accompany  salvation,  but  adorn  our  souls 
with  all  such  graces  of  thy  holy  Spirit,  as  may  enable  us 
to  adorn  the  doctrine  of  God  our  Saviour  in  all  things, 
by  such  a  conversation  as  does  become  it. 

Help  us,  O  gracious  Lord,  in  the  whole  of  our  duty 
to  thee  our  God ;  and  also  in  the  discharge  of  all  relative 
duties  which  we  owe  to  men,  whether  superiors,  equals, 
or  inferiors,  all  with  whom  we  have  our  conversation  in 
the  world ;  that  we  may  walk  wisely  toward  them  that 
are  without,  and  kindly  toward  them  that  are  within; 
and  not  be  justly  offensive  unto  any  ;  but,  what  in  us  lies, 
useful  and  beneficial  to  all.  And  thus  let  us  pass  the 
time  of  our  sojourning  here,  in  thy  fear  and  favour,  and 
to  thy  honour  and  glory ;  that  at  last,  thy  name  may 
have  the  praise,  and  our  souls  the  comfort,  in  the  hour  of 
death,  and  in  the  great  day  of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ. 

And  now  that  thou  hast  renewed  our  lives  and  thy 


192  FAMILY  RELIGION. 

mercies  to  us  this  morning,  help  us,  O  God,  to  renew  our 
desires,  and  resolutions,  and  endeavours,  to  live  in  the 
obedience  of  thy  holy  will,  and  to  the  honour  of  thy 
blessed  name.  O  restrain  us  from  the  evils  and  follies 
into  which  we  are  prone  to  fall ;  and  quicken  us  to  the 
offices  and  duties  which  we  are  averse  to  perform.  And 
grant  that  we  may  think  and  speak,  and  will  and  do,  the 
things  becoming  the  children  of  our  heavenly  Father; 
and  so  find  the  strong  consolation  of  thy  gracious  ac- 
ceptance in  Jesus  Christ  our  Saviour.    Amen. 

WEDNESDAY  EVENING.        Bennett. 

Blessed  and  glorious  God  !  Thou  art  the  King  eternal, 
immortal,  invisible,  the  only  wise  God,  of  whom,  through 
whom,  and  to  whom  are  all  things ;  the  Father  of  mer- 
cies, and  God  of  all  grace.  Thou  searchest  the  hearts 
and  triest  the  reins  of  all  men.  Thou  art  acquainted 
with  all  our  ways.  As  we  now  come  to  seek  thy  grace, 
and  beg  thy  presence,  acceptance,  and  blessing,  look 
down  upon  us  in  tender  mercy.  O  let  thy  spirit  help  our 
infirmities,  and  teach  us  how  to  pray.  Hearken  unto  the 
voice  of  our  cry,  our  King  and  our  God,  for  unto  thee 
will  we  pray ;  our  voice  shalt  thou  hear  in  the  morning, 
and  in  the  evening  will  we  direct  our  prayer  unto  thee. 
We  are  not  worthy,  O  Lord,  of  the  least  of  thy  mercies, 
and  yet  how  bountifully  hast  thou  bestowed  them  upon 
us !  open  thou  our  lips,  and  our  mouths  shall  show  forth 
thy  praise. 

But,  O  God,  we  have  requited  thee  evil  for  good ;  what 
unsuitable  returns  have  we  made  for  that  gooodness  and 
mercy  which  has  followed  us  all  our  days!  we  are 
ashamed,  and  blush  to  lift  up  our  faces  before  thee,  O 
Lord,  for  our  iniquities  are  increased  over  our  heads,  and 
our  trespasses  have  grown  up  to  the  heavens.     Lord,  we 


FAMILY  PRAYER.  193 

would  lie  in  the  dust,  and  cry,  unclean,  unclean  !  we  have 
a  sinning  and  a  sinful  nature ;  we  were  shapen  in  iniquity, 
and  in  sin  were  we  conceived.  And,  O  God,  how  deeply 
aggravated  are  all  our  sins !  they  have  been  committed 
against  light  and  conviction,  against  promises  and  vows, 
and  against  manifold  experiences  of  thy  grace  and  love. 
O,  cast  an  eye  of  pity  upon  us;  we  are  vile;  what  shall 
we  answer  thee  1  Lord,  we  would  abhor  ourselves  and 
repent  in  dust  and  ashes. 

And  as  our  sins  are  many,  so,  O  Lord,  are  our  neces- 
sities many  and  great ;  we  come  to  thee  for  the  supply 
of  them  all ;  we  come  for  a  blessing,  a  suitable  and 
effectual  blessing.  Bless  us,  O  our  God,  with  the  pardon 
of  all  our  iniquities.  Let  our  transgressions  be  forgiven, 
and  our  sins  covered.  Impute  not  iniquity  unto  us.  O 
purge  us  with  hyssop  and  we  shall  be  clean  ;  wash  us  and 
we  shall  be  whiter  than  snow.  We  have  no  merit  to  plead, 
but  we  cast  ourselves  upon  thy  mercy  and  grace  in  the 
Redeemer ;  we  plead  and  trust  to  his  atoning  blood  which 
was  shed  for  the  remission  of  sins ;  wTe  have  sinned,  but 
Christ  has  died,  the  just  for  the  unjust,  that  he  might 
bring  us  to  God.  O  justify  us  freely  by  thy  grace,  through 
the  redemption  that  is  in  Christ.  Look  upon  us  in  the 
face  of  thine  Anointed,  and  accept  us  in  the  Beloved. 
O  Lord,  heal  and  sanctify  our  sinful  nature.  Help  us  to 
put  off  the  old  man  which  is  corrupt,  and  to  put  on  the 
new  man,  which,  after  God,  is  created  in  righteousness 
and  true  holiness.  Create  clean  hearts,  and  renew  right 
spirits  within  us;  help  us  to  crucify  the  flesh  with  its 
affections  and  lusts,  that  the  body  of  sin  may  be  destroy- 
ed. Enlighten  our  minds,  and  grant  us  the  spirit  of  wis- 
dom and  revelation  in  the  knowledge  of  Christ.  Subdue 
and  renew  our  wills,  that  their  enmitv  to  thee  mav  be 
overcome.  Cast  down  all  lofty  imaginations,  and  bring 
every  thought  into  subjection  to  the  obedience  of  Christ. 

17 


194  FAMILY  RELIGION. 

Help  us  to  love  our  enemies,  if  we  have  them,  and  if 
we  have  aught  against  any  man,  help  us  to  forgive,  as 
God,  for  Christ's  sake,  forgiveth  us.  Enable  us  to  bless 
them  that  curse  us,  and  pray  for  them  that  despitefully 
use  us.  Help  us  all,  O  Lord,  duly  to  consider  our  latter 
end,  and  diligently  prepare  for  the  same ;  so  teach  us  to 
number  our  days,  that  we  may  apply  our  hearts  unto 
wisdom  ;  and  whatsoever  our  hands  find  to  do,  may  we 
do  it  now,  without  delay,  and  with  all  our  might ;  for 
there  is  no  work,  nor  device,  nor  knowledge  in  the  grave, 
whither  we  are  all  hastening.  O  Lord,  bless  all  for 
whom  we  should  pray.  Regard  in  mercy  our  absent 
friends  and  relatives ;  pity  and  relieve  the  poor  and  dis- 
tressed ;  comfort  those  who  mourn ;  bless  our  land  and 
all  its  rulers.  Pour  out  thy  Spirit  upon  all  flesh,  and 
hasten  the  coming  of  thy  glorious  kingdom.  Accept  our 
thanks  for  the  mercies  of  this  day.  Take  us  under  thy 
protection  this  night ;  sustain  us  in  sleep,  and  raise  us  up 
in  the  morning,  and  when  we  awake,  may  we  be  still 
with  thee.  AH  which  we  beg  in  the  name,  and  through 
the  mediation  of  Christ  our  Saviour.     Amen. 


THURSDAY  MORNING.  Jenks. 

O  Lord  our  God !  thy  name  is  most  excellent  in  all  the 
earth :  thou  hast  set  up  thy  glory  above  the  heavens,  and 
thou  art  worthy  to  be  celebrated  with  everlasting  praises 
of  men  and  angels ;  for  thou  hast  created  all  things,  and 
for  thy  pleasure  it  is  that  they  are  and  were  created. 
Thy  hands,  O  Lord,  have  made  us  and  fashioned  us,-  and 
thou  hast  breathed  into  our  nostrils  the  breath  of  life; 
yea,  still  thou  holdest  our  souls  in  life,  and  givest  us  every 
good  thing  that  makes  our  lives  a  blessing  and  a  comfort 
to  us.     Thou  hast  formed  us  for  thyself,  that  we  should 


FAMILY  PRAYER.  195 

show  forth  thy  praise,  and  live  to  thy  glory,  as  we  do 
continually  live  upon  thy  bounty. 

But,  O  Lord  our  God !  we  have  not  brought  thee  the 
glory  which  thou  hast  made  us  capable  of,  and  in  so 
many  ways  obliged  us  to ;  instead  of  this,  O  how  greatly 
have  we  dishonoured  thee,  our  God,  in  the  whole  course 
and  conduct  of  our  lives !  time  after  time,  forgetting  the 
gracious  Giver  of  all  our  good  things,  who  art  never  un- 
mindful of  us.  And  O  how  soon  have  we  been  weary  to 
do  thee  service,  who  art  never  weary  to  do  us  good ! 
Yea,  we  have  not  only  neglected  thy  work,  but  have 
been  disobedient  against  thy  word,  and  have  taken  bold 
liberties,  to  go  on  after  our  own  foolish  and  hurtful  lusts, 
in  such  ways  of  living  as  thy  laws  and  our  own  hearts 
disallow  and  condemn. 

And  for  these  things  we  desire  to  pour  out  our  hearts, 
and  to  humble  our  sinful  selves  here  before  thee ;  entreat- 
ing thy  gracious  favour,  for  the  sake  of  thy  mercy  in 
Christ  Jesus,  who  has  moved  thee  to  spare  us  so  long, 
and  to  do  so  much  for  us  already,  that  thou  wilt  be 
pleased  to  give  us  repentance  and  pardon  for  all  that  is 
past,  wherein  we  have  offended  thee ;  whether  in  omit- 
ting our  duty,  or  failing  in  it,  or  doing  contrary  to  it. 
However  we  have  transgressed,  O  humble  us  duly  under 
the  sense  of  it ;  and,  for  thy  dear  Son's  sake,  absolve  us 
thoroughly  from  the  guilt  of  it 

And  strengthen  us,  good  Lord,  with  might,  by  the  spirit 
in  the  inner  man,  to  make  us  more  watchful  against,  and 
more  victorious  over,  the  corruption  of  our  nature,  the 
temptations  of  the  devil,  and  the  distractions  and  allure- 
ments of  this  sinful  world,  wherein  we  live.  O  destroy 
in  us  every  vicious  inclination,  every  evil  habit,  and  rebel- 
lious notion,  that  exalts  itself  against  the  knowledge  of 
God,  and  against  the  obedience  of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ. 
And  increase  and  confirm  in  us,  still  more  and  more,  thy 


196  FAMILY  RELIGION. 

true  knowledge  and  faith,  and  fear,  and  love ;  and  every 
grace  of  thy  holy  Spirit,  which  thou  knowest  to  be  most 
wanting  in  us,  and  necessary  for  us ;  such  as  may  make 
our  lives  still  more  comfortable  to  ourselves,  more  profit- 
able to  others,  and  more  to  the  glory  of  thy  name.  And 
however  it  goes  with  us,  as  to  the  concerns  of  this  pre- 
sent time,  O  that  we  may  still  be  found  in  the  way  of  our 
duty,  fearing  God,  and  working  righteousness ;  that  we 
may  secure  our  interest  in  the  great  Saviour  of  the  world, 
so  that  when  all  here  shall  fail  us,  thou  mayest  take  us 
up,  and  be  the  strength  of  our  hearts,  and  our  portion  for 
evermore. 

Day  by  day  we  magnify  thee,  O  Lord,  who  makest 
every  day  of  our  lives  still  a  further  addition  to  thy  mer- 
cies. We  bless  thee  for  our  last  night's  preservation  and 
protection,  and  for  the  rest  and  refreshment  which  thou 
hast  given  us  therein.  O  cause  us  to  hear  thy  loving 
kindness  in  the  morning,  for  in  thee  do  we  trust;  cause 
us  to  know  the  way  wherein  we  shall  go,  for  we  lift  up 
our  souls  to  thee.  Cast  us  not  away  from  thy  presence ; 
take  not  thy  holy  Spirit  from  us ;  but  direct  all  our  wTays 
to  please  thee  our  God,  that  thou  mayest  crown  us  with 
blessing  and  good  success.  Help  us  to  see  thy  power,  to 
own  thy  presence,  to  admire  thy  wisdom,  and  to  love  thy 
goodness  in  all  thy  creatures.  And  by  all  the  comforts 
of  creatures,  O  draw  our  hearts  still  nearer  to  thyself, 
the  blessed  Creator  of  every  comfort;  and  let  our  medi- 
tations of  God  be  sweet  as  well  as  frequent,  that  delight- 
ing ourselves  in  the  Lord,  thou  mayest  give  unto  us  the 
desires  of  our  hearts.  Such  mercy  and  grace  we  beg  for 
ourselves,  and  all  ours,  and  thine,  every  where,  in  our 
great  Mediator's  form  of  prayer,  "  Our  Father,"  &c. 


FAMILY  PRAYER.  197 

THURSDAY  EVENING.  Ed. 

Almighty  and  most  merciful  Lord  God  !  Thou  art 
glorious  in  all  thy  perfections,  and  art  adored  by  all  the 
host  of  heaven.  It  is  both  our  duty  and  our  privilege  to 
unite  with  them  in  praising  thee  for  what  thou  art,  and 
for  what  thou  hast  done  for  our  ruined  race.  All  thy 
handy  works  proclaim  thy  glory.  The  heavens  and 
the  earth  declare  thy  praise.  But  on  the  cross  we  read 
thy  character,  and  behold  an  exhibition  of  thy  power, 
thy  mercy,  thy  justice,  and  thy  truth ;  for  thou  didst  so 
love  the  world  as  to  give  thy  only  begotten  Son  to  die, 
that  whosoever  belie veth  in  him  should  not  perish, 
but  have  everlasting  life ;  relying  on  the  efficacy  of  his 
death,  and  trusting  to  the  mediation  of  thy  Son,  we  would 
once  more  approach  the  throne  of  thy  grace  as  humble 
suppliants  for  thy  mercy.  We  confess  with  shame  that 
we  have  rebelled  against  thee,  and  violated  thy  most  holy 
law.  We  have  been  unmindful  of  thy  counsel,  and  in- 
different to  thy  warnings  and  reproofs.  We  have  been 
too  little  affected  by  thy  goodness,  and  too  little  awed  by 
thy  threatenings  and  judgments.  We  would  mourn  be- 
fore thee  on  account  of  the  hardness  of  our  hearts,  the 
perverseness  of  our  wills,  and  the  deadness  of  our  affec- 
tions. But  we  are  encouraged  by  thy  promises  to  hope 
in  thy  mercy,  and  emboldened  by  thy  gracious  invitations 
to  apply  to  thee  for  pardon  and  acceptance.  We  have 
no  merit  of  our  own  to  offer,  for  all  our  righteousnesses 
are  as  filthy  rags.  Our  obedience  is  awfully  imperfect, 
and  defiled  by  the  admixture  of  sin  and  insincerity.  Our 
hope  is  in  the  atoning  blood  of  our  divine  Redeemer. 
We  would  take  refuge  in  his  wounded  side,  and  under 
the  shadow  of  his  wings.  Give  us  true  repentance  for 
all  our  iniquities  of  heart  and  life,  and  mercifully  blot 

17* 


198  FAMILY  RELIGION. 

them  from  the  book  of  thy  remembrance ;  for  there  is 
forgiveness  with  thee,  that  thou  mayest  be  feared. 

Bestow  upon  each  of  us  the  grace  of  th  Holy  Spirit, 
that  we  may  be  renewed  day  by  day  in  the  spirit  of  our 
minds,  and  be  enabled  to  withstand  the  temptations  of  the 
adversary,  and  to  walk  in  newness  of  life  to  the  praise 
of  thy  holy  name. 

We  render  thee  our  united  and  hearty  thanks  for  the 
mercies  of  the  day  past,  for  the  protection  of  our  bodies 
and  souls,  and  for  the  suitable  and  abundant  provision 
for  all  our  wants.  Be  graciously  pleased  to  take  us  in 
thy  holy  keeping,  during  the  silence  and  darkness  of  this 
night.  May  our  slumbers  be  refreshing  and  undisturbed  ; 
and  with  humble,  penitent,  and  grateful  hearts,  may  we 
awake  in  the  morning,  to  the  light,  and  duties,  and  privi- 
leges of  another  day.  Give  us  grace  to  spend  all  our 
days  in  thy  fear  and  service,  and  to  thine  honour  and 
glory.  May  it  be  Christ  for  us  to  live,  and  gain  for  us 
to  die ;  so  that  living  or  dying,  we  may  be  the  Lord's. 
May  all  the  dwellers  under  this  roof  be  finally  dwellers 
with  thee  in  heaven.  May  all,  from  the  eldest  to  the 
youngest,  be  among  the  number  of  thy  redeemed  ones. 

Graciously  smile  upon  all  who  are  near  and  dear  to 
us,  by  whatever  tie.  May  they  be  united  to  Christ  by  a 
living  faith,  and  follow  him  as  his  true  disciples. 

Have  mercy  upon  all  sorts  and  conditions  of  men, 
comforting  and  relieving  them  according  to  their  several 
necessities.  Prepare  the  living  for  death,  and  the  dying 
for  glory.  Bless  with  all  needed  grace,  our  rulers  and 
lawgivers,  that  they  may  serve  thee  acceptably,  by  serv- 
ing their  country  uprightly  and  efficiently.  Diffuse  the 
light  of  the  gospel  among  all  nations,  and  pour  out  thy 
Spirit  copiously  upon  all  thy  churches,  for  the  sake  of  thy 
Son,  our  Saviour,  who  hath  taught  us  to  pray,  "Our 
Father  who  art  in  heaven/'  &c. 


FAMILY  PRAYER.  199 

FRIDAY  MORNING.  Jenks. 

We  do  here  present  ourselves  this  morning  before  thy 
heavenly  and  glorious  Majesty,  O  most  blessed  Lord  our 
God,  with  the  desire  of  our  souls,  to  pay  unto  Thee  that 
tribute  of  homage  and  service,  and  prayer  and  praise, 
which  thou  hast  made  us  capable  of,  and  every  way 
obliged  us  to.  We  desire  to  perform  the  same  in  such  a 
manner,  that  thou  mayest  mercifully  accept  us  and  oui 
services,  at  the  hands  of  Christ  Jesus.  In  his  great  name 
we  come  to  thee,  at  thy  command,  and  worship  here  at 
thy  footstool,  to  beg  thy  pardon  and  peace,  the  increase 
of  thy  grace,  and  the  tokens  of  thy  love.  For  we  are  not 
worthy  that  thou  shouldst,  in  any  way  of  mercy,  take 
notice  of  us,  or  be  entreated  by  us :  but  worthy  is  the 
Lamb  of  God,  slain  to  take  away  the  sins  of  the  wrorld, 
for  whose  sake  do  thou,  O  Lord,  mercifully  look  upon  us ; 
for  he  has  fulfilled  those  holy  laws,  which  we  have 
broken,  and  perfectly  satisfied  the  justice  of  heaven,  for 
all  our  violations  of  them.  And  in  him  thou  art  a  God 
gracious  and  merciful,  to  poor  sinners,  who  deserve  no- 
thing from  thee,  but  to  be  forsaken  and  abhorred  by  thee. 
Unto  us  belong  shame  and  confusion  of  face  for  our  sins, 
and  fearful  expectation  of  all  the  judgments  and  miseries 
which  thy  holy  laws  denounce  against  sinners :  if  thou, 
Lord,  shouldst  be  extreme  to  mark  what  we  have  done 
amiss ;  if  thou  shouldst  deal  with  us  and  proceed  against 
us  as  in  justice  thou  mightest. 

But,  O  gracious  Father,  regard  not  what  we  have 
done  against  thee,  but  what  our  blessed  Saviour  has  done 
for  us ;  not  what  we  have  made  ourselves,  but  what  he 
-s  made  of  thee,  our  God  unto  us.  And  O  that  Christ 
may  be  to  every  one  of  our  souls,  what  he  is  to  all  thy 
faithful  people,  wisdom,  and  righteousness,  and  sanctifi- 
cation,  and  redemption;   that  his  precious   blood  may 


200  FAMILY  RELIGION. 

cleanse  us  from  all  our  sins ;  and  that  the  grace  of  thy 
holy  Spirit  may  further  renew  and  sanctify  our  souls, 
and  subdue  our  iniquities,  and  mortify  our  lusts;  and 
quicken  us  to,  and  enable  us  for  the  performance  of  all 
the  duties  of  thy  holy  service.  O  let  not  sin  reign  in  our 
mortal  bodies,  that  we  should  obey  it  in  the  lust  thereof. 
Let  there  be  no  sin  in  us  but  what  is  felt  and  hated,  be- 
wailed and  resisted  by  us ;  and  let  us  approve  our  very 
hearts  to  thee,  the  Searcher  of  them ;  and  may  all  our 
ways  be  still  pleasing  in  thy  sight. 

O  teach  us  to  know  thee,  our  God,  and  enable  us  to  do 
thy  will  as  we  ought  to  do.  Give  us  hearts  to  fear  thee, 
and  love  thee ;  to  trust  and  delight  in  thee,  and  to  adhere 
and  cleave  in  faithfulness  unto  thee.  That  no  temptations 
may  draw  us,  nor  any  tribulations  drive  us  from  thee ; 
but  that  all  thy  dispensations  to  us,  and  all  thy  dealings 
with  us,  may  be  the  messengers  of  thy  love  to  our  souls, 
to  bring  us  still  nearer  to  thy  blessed  self,  and  to  make  us 
still  more  fitted  for  thy  heavenly  kingdom.  Quicken  us, 
O  Lord,  in  our  dulness ;  that  we  may  not  serve  thee  in  a 
lifeless  and  listless  manner ;  but,  may  abound  in  thy  work, 
and  be  fervent  in  spirit,  serving  the  Lord.  And  make  us 
also  faithful  in  all  the  offices  of  intercourse  with  our 
neighbours ;  that  we  may  be  ready  to  do  good,  and  bear 
evil,  and  forbear  revenge ;  and  be  just  and  kind,  merciful 
and  meek,  peaceable  and  patient,  sober  and  temperate, 
humble  and  self-denying,  inoffensive  and  useful  in  the 
world.  That  so  glorifying  thee  here  upon  earth,  we  may 
at  our  departure  hence,  enter  into  the  joy  of  our  Lord, 
and  be  forever  glorified  in  thy  heavenly  kingdom. 

O  thou  that  hast  kept  us  alive  to  this  day,  and  hast 
been  still  good  and  kind  to  us  all  our  days,  renew  thy 
mercy  to  us,  we  beseech  thee,  together  with  this  morning 
light ;  and  as  thou  makest  the  outgoings  of  the  morning 
and  evening  to  rejoice,  so  lift  up  the  light  of  thy  counte- 


FAMILY  PRAYER.  201 

nance  upon  us,  and  make  us  glad  with  the  tokens  of  thy 
love ;  and  thou  that  art  ever  present  with  us,  O  make  us 
ever  well  aware  of  thy  presence,  that  we  may  duly  re- 
member thee  in  all  our  ways,  and  wisely  and  piously  de- 
mean ourselves  in  all  our  affairs.  Be  with  us,  O  Lord,  at 
our  going  out,  and  our  coming  in ;  and  let  thy  grace  fol- 
low us  this  day,  and  all  the  days  of  our  life.  Be  thou  our 
guide  unto  death,  in  death  our  comfort,  and  after  death 
our  portion  and  happiness  everlasting.  O  hear  us  from 
heaven,  thy  dwelling-place ;  and,  when  thou  hearest,  have 
mercy:  forgive  the  sins  of  our  persons,  and  the  sins  of 
our  prayers ;  and  do  more  for  us  than  we  are  worthy 
to  expect  at  thy  hands,  for  his  sake,  who  alone  is  worthy, 
with  the  Father  and  the  Holy  Spirit,  to  receive  everlast- 
ing praises.     Amen. 

FRIDAY  EVENING.  Jenks. 

O  Lord,  we  desire  to  seek  thy  face,  and  to  wait  upon 
thee  in  the  duties  of  thy  worship ;  entreating  thy  gracious 
favour  with  our  whole  hearts,  that  we  may  do  all  as  we 
ought,  with  good  acceptance  to  our  God.  And  to  whom 
should  we  make  our  applications,  but  unto  thee,  the 
Father  of  mercies  and  the  fountain  of  all  goodness,  who 
art  able  to  do  exceeding  abundantly  for  us,  even  above 
all  that  we  can  ask  or  think  ;  and  who  hast  declared  thy 
willingness  to  be  importuned  and  solicited  by  us ;  and  thy 
readiness  to  hear,  and  help,  and  answer  us,  in  those 
things  which  we  beg  at  thy  gracious  and  bountiful  hands, 
in  the  name  and  mediation  of  our  great  Lord  and  Sa- 
viour :  O  let  our  prayer  ascend  before  thee  as  incense, 
and  the  lifting  up  of  our  hands  be  as  the  evening  sacri- 
fice, pleasing  to  thee  our  God,  in  the  Son  of  thy  love.  It 
is  in  his  blessed  name  alone,  that  we  have  the  encourage- 
ment and  boldness  to  beg  of  thy  infinite  goodness  all  that 


202  FAMILY  RELIGION. 

thou  knowest  to  be  needful  and  expedient  for  us;  seeing 
there  is  in  ourselves  no  good  thing  to  recommend  us  to 
thy  favour  and  acceptance ;  but  a  prone ness  and  inclina- 
tion to  what  is  displeasing  in  thy  eyes,  and  destructive  to 
our  souls.  For  we  are  by  nature  the  children  of  wrath, 
a  seed  of  evil-doers,  the  sinful  offspring  of  rebellious 
parents;  we  have  been  daily  trespassing  against  thee, 
and  still  adding  to  the  great  number  of  our  offences, 
against  thee.  There  is  nothing  in  us,  O  Lord,  but  what 
may  provoke  thee  to  reject  us :  but  there  is  enough  in  thy 
beloved  Son,  of  all  grace  and  goodness,  to  move  thee 
mercifully  to  accept  us.  He  was  made  sin  for  us,  who 
knew  no  sin,  that  we  might  be  made  the  righteousness  of 
God  in  him ;  and  that  we  might  be  saved  through  faith 
in  his  merits,  where  we  could  not  be  saved  by  any  desert 
of  our  own  works.  O  behold  our  sins  punished  in  our 
Saviour,  who  was  wounded  for  our  transgressions,  and 
bruised  for  our  iniquities :  and  as  the  chastisement  of  our 
peace  was  upon  him,  so  let  the  merits  of  his  righteous- 
ness be  upon  us;  and  by  his  stripes  let  our  souls  be 
healed. 

Nor  do  we  only  beg  for  pardon  of  our  sins,  but  also 
for  power  against  them,  and  grace  sufficient  for  us  to 
break  them  off,  and  to  walk  more  pleasingly  before  thee, 
in  all  the  ways  and  duties  of  righteousness  and  holiness, 
which  thy  word  prescribes  to  us.  O  never  suffer  us  to  be 
tempted  above  what  we  are  able ;  but  make  our  tempta- 
tions less,  or  thy  grace  in  us,  and  our  spiritual  strength, 
still  greater  than  all  our  temptations ;  that  no  iniquities 
may  prevail  against  us,  nor  any  presumptuous  sin  have 
dominion  over  us.  O  make  us  more  conformable  to  the 
pattern  and  the  precepts  of  our  Saviour,  and  more  trans- 
formed into  his  holy  image  and  likeness  ;  that  we  may  not 
profess  the  religion  of  Jesus  Christ  to  the  wrong  and  dis- 
paragement of  it :  nor  make  the  way  of  truth,  by  reason 


FAMILY  PRAYER.  203 

of  us,  to  be  evil  spoken  of;  but  let  our  light  shine  before 
men,  to  the  glory  of  thee  our  heavenly  Father,  and  to 
the  edification  of  those  with  whom  we  have  our  con- 
versation. 

And  together  with  our  own,  we  commend  to  thy  mercy, 
O  God  of  the  spirits  of  all  flesh,  the  necessities  and  distress- 
es of  all  our  brethren  throughout  the  world.  O  enlighten  the 
ignorant,  quicken  the  careless,  awaken  the  secure,  con- 
vince the  erroneous,  reclaim  the  vicious,  establish  the  un- 
settled, and  comfort  the  dejected.  Bring  all  to  the  know- 
ledge and  love  of  thy  truth,  and  to  the  participation  of 
thy  grace,  and  the  obedience  of  Christ ;  and  finally  to  the 
blessed  hope  of  thy  heavenly  glory,  and  to  the  eternal 
salvation  of  our  souls.  We  pray,  as  more  particularly 
bound,  for  all  our  magistrates  and  ministers  of  the  gos- 
pel;  and  all  our  friends  and  relations;  and  all  thy  ser- 
vants, and  all  the  afflicted  everywhere ;  especially  those 
for  whose  happiness  and  salvation  thou  knowest  us  to 
be  chiefly  concerned.  O  do  thou  for  us,  and  for  them, 
as  thou  knowest  best,  and  most  needful  and  expedient, 
for  thy  own  mercy's  sake  in  Jesus  Christ. 

As  we  pray  to  thee  for  what  we  need,  so  we  desire  to 
praise  thee  for  all  that  we  have  received  at  thy  hands. 
And  blessed  be  thy  name,  O  Lord,  that  we  have  any 
thing,  yea  that  we  have  so  many  things,  to  bless  and 
praise  thee  for.  O  what  shall  we  render  to  the  Lord  for 
all  his  benefits  ?  What  can  we  give  to  thee,  our  God,  but 
the  glory  of  thy  own  gifts  and  goodness  unto  us  ?  O 
Lord !  let  not  our  hearts  be  shut  and  straitened  towards 
thee,  whose  hand  is  every  day  so  open  unto  us  ;  but  do 
thou  possess  and  enlarge  these  hearts  of  ours  with  more 
and  greater  love  and  thankfulness  to  thee,  who  hast  so 
abounded  in  mercy  and  loving  kindness  towards  us,  that 
we  may  give  thee  thanks  with  all  our  hearts,  and  glorify 
thy  name  for  evermore. 


204  FAMILY  RELIGION. 

And  now  that  the  night  is  upon  us,  and  we  are  ready- 
to  betake  ourselves  to  our  rest,  we  commit  ourselves  to 
thy  gracious  protection,  who  never  sleepest  nor  slumberest, 
but  hast  still  a  watchful  eye  open  upon  thy  people.  O 
watch  over  us,  our  God,  we  pray  thee,  for  good ;  that 
none  of  the  evils  or  harms  which  our  sins  have  deserved 
may  befall  us.  Preserve  us  from  the  works,  and  from  the 
powers  of  darkness,  and  from  all  the  terrors  and  dangers 
of  the  night.  Let  all  our  sins,  to-day,  or  any  time  here- 
tofore committed,  be  removed  out  of  thy  sight,  and  show 
us  the  light  of  thy  countenance,  O  Lord,  to  refresh  us 
with  the  sense  of  thy  blessed  love  and  favour,  in  our  dear 
Redeemer;  for  whom,  and  to  whom,  with  thy  eternal 
self,  and  Holy  Spirit,  be  all  thanks  and  praise,  and 
honour,  and  glory,  ascribed  by  us  and  all  thy  church, 
from  this  time  forth,  world  without  end.     Amen. 

SATURDAY  MORNING.  Jenks. 

O  Lord,  thou  art  the  God  whose  wre  are,  and  whom  we 
ought  to  serve,  with  all  the  endowments  and  abilities  for 
thy  service,  wherewith  thou  hast  blessed  us.  For  thou 
hast  laid  upon  us  all  the  obligations  of  thy  laws ;  and  all 
the  endearments  of  thy  love,  to  be  faithful  in  the  cove- 
nant of  our  God;  and  to  abound  in  the  work  of  the  Lord. 
And  we  desire  to  humble  our  sinful  selves  here  before 
thee,  that  our  lives  have  been  so  unprofitable  to  thee,  and 
so  full  of  provocation  against  thee ;  that  the  dishonour 
which  we  have  done  thee,  O  Lord,  has  by  many  degrees 
exceeded  all  our  service;  that  we  have  lived  to  ourselves, 
more  than  to  the  Lord  and  Giver  of  our  lives ;  and  we  have 
served  our  own  lusts  and  pleasures  more  than  thy  holy 
blessed  will;  which  is  the  rule  of  all  righteousness,  and 
in  the  performance  whereof,  there  is  the  greatest  reward. 
O  how  we  have  disbelieved  thy  truths,  disobeyed  thy 


FAMILY  PRAYER.  205 

commands,  disregarded  thy  promises  and  threats !  and 
resisted  and  defeated  all  thy  gracious  methods  to  reclaim 
us  from  the  evil  of  our  ways,  and  to  bring  us  over  entire- 
ly to  thyself. 

We  have  sinned  against  thee,  our  God,  to  the  infinite 
wrong  and  damage  of  our  own  souls,  and  by  our  sins 
we  have  spoiled  and  destroyed  ourselves ;  but  it  is  not  in 
us  to  recover  and  save  ourselves.  No :  in  thee  alone  is 
all  our  help.  Yea,  thou  hast  laid  help  upon  one  that  is 
mighty  and  able  to  save  to  the  uttermost  all  that  come  to 
God  through  him :  through  whom  thou  hast  encouraged 
us  to  come  boldly  to  thy  throne  of  grace,  that  we  may 
obtain  mercy,  and  find  grace  to  help  in  every  time  of 
need.  In  him,  therefore,  we  beg,  Lord,  that  thou  wilt  be 
reconciled  to  us,  and  at  peace  with  us ;  as  a  Father  of 
mercies,  and  a  God  of  consolation. 

And  for  his  sake,  enable  us  also,  we  beseech  thee,  to 
demean  ourselves  as  becomes  the  children  of  God,  the 
redeemed  of  the  Lord,  and  the  members  and  followers 
of  Jesus  Christ.  O  put  such  principles  of  grace  and  ho- 
liness into  our  hearts,  as  may  cause  us  to  hate  all  iniquity, 
and  every  false  way.  And  put  thy  spirit  within  us,  caus- 
ing us  to  walk  in  thy  statutes,  and  to  keep  thy  judgments, 
and  to  do  them.  Not  only  lay  thy  commands  upon  us, 
but  be  pleased,  O  Lord,  to  enable  us  to  perform  every 
duty  required  of  us.  And  so  engage  our  hearts  to  thy- 
self, that  we  may  make  it  our  meat  and  drink  to  do  thy 
will ;  and  with  enlarged  hearts,  run  the  way  of  thy  com- 
mands. O  make  our  services  acceptable  to  thee  while 
we  live,  and  our  souls  ready  for  thee  when  we  die.  And 
as  long  as  we  are  in  this  world,  keep  us,  O  Lord  our 
God,  from  the  evil  of  it,  and  from  the  snares  and  dangers 
which  thou  knowest  we  are  continually  exposed  to  in  it. 
O  make  our  journey  safe  and  sure,  through  all  the 
changes,  troubles,  temptations,  and  various  conditions  of 

18 


206  FAMILY  RELIGION. 

this  mortal  life,  to  the  unchangeable  glories  and  felicities 
of  life  everlasting. 

Be  merciful  to  us,  O  Lord,  and  bless  us,  and  keep  us 
this  day,  in  all  our  ways,  and  in  all  our  lawful  designs 
and  undertakings :  and  may  we  take  nothing  in  hand,  but 
what  is  warranted  in  thy  word.  O  let  us  be  in  the  fear 
of  the  Lord  all  the  day  long ;  let  thy  fear  be  ever  before 
our  eyes  to  restrain  us  from  the  things  provoking  to  our 
God,  and  destructive  to  our  souls.  And  let  thy  love 
abound  in  our  hearts,  and  sweetly  and  powerfully  con- 
strain us  to  all  faithful  and  cheerful  obedience,  acceptable 
in  thy  sight,  through  him  that  has  loved  and  redeemed 
us ;  even  the  Lord  our  righteousness ;  in  whose  blessed 
name,  and  the  words  of  prayer  which  himself  has  taught 
us,  we  continue  praying,  Our  Father,  &c. 

The  blessing  of  God  Almighty,  Father,  Son  and  Holy 
Ghost,  be  with  us,  and  with  all  that  belong  to  us,  this 
day,  and  for  evermore.     Amen. 

SATURDAY  EVENING.  Jenks. 

O  Lord,  the  infinite,  incomprehensible  God,  who  art 
before  all,  art  above  all,  and  wilt  be  for  ever  the  same, 
when  time  shall  be  no  more !  Thou  hast  heaven  for  thy 
throne,  and  the  earth  for  thy  footstool ;  and  all  the  things 
in  both,  continually  in  thy  sight,  and  at  thy  disposal. 
That  art  the  Searcher  of  our  hearts,  and  the  Overseer 
of  our  whole  lives,  here  and  everywhere  present;  and 
now  and  evermore  thou  seest  us,  and  compasseth  our 
path,  and  our  lying  down,  and  art  thoroughly  acquainted 
with  all  our  ways.  Thou  knowest,  O  Lord,  the  dulness 
and  hardness,  the  vanity  and  deceitfulness  of  our  hearts. 
So  that  the  least  of  all  those  mercies  which  we  enjoy,  is 
far  above  any  thing  that  we  have  reason  to  expect,  at 
the  hands  of  that  God  whom  we  have  so  greatly  pro- 


FAMILY  PRAYER.  207 

voked.  And  justly  mightest  thou,  O  Lord,  withdraw  thy 
tender  mercies  from  us,  and  pour  out  thy  wrath  and  in- 
dignation to  the  uttermost  upon  us ;  making  us  to  find 
and  feel  by  woful  experience,  what  an  evil  and  bitter 
thing  it  is  to  trespass  against  thee,  as  we  have  done. 
Thou  mightest  make  us  experience  the  same,  in  the  place 
of  torment,  and  outward  darkness,  where  is  weeping  and 
wailing  and  gnashing  of  teeth,  and  from  whence  there  is 
no  redemption. 

But  thou  art  a  God  of  wonderful  patience  to  bear  with 
sinners ;  and  a  God  of  infinite  goodness  and  mercy,  to 
forgive  the  sins  of  all  them  that  are  penitent.  Thou  hast 
said,  that  if  the  wicked  forsake  his  way,  and  the  unright- 
eous man  his  thoughts,  and  return  to  the  Lord,  thou  wilt 
have  mercy  upon  him,  and  abundantly  pardon.  But,  O 
Lord,  thou  knowest  that  without  thee  we  cannot  so  much 
as  come  unto  thee,  unless  thou  meet  us  with  thy  hea- 
venly grace  and  help  us  with  thy  almighty  assistance. 
We  humbly  beg,  therefore,  that  thou  wilt  be  graciously 
pleased  to  stretch  forth  thy  powerful  and  merciful  hand, 
to  loose  the  captive  chain  wherein  our  sins  have  entan- 
gled our  souls.  And  let  it  be  thy  gracious  pleasure,  O 
blessed  Lord,  to  set  us  free  from  every  weight  of  sin  and 
yoke  of  bondage,  that  lies  heavy  upon  our  souls,  and  un- 
fits us  to  serve  thee  with  that  sincerity,  and  readiness,  and 
gladness,  which  thou  requirest  of  thy  people. 

And  wilt  thou  grant  us,  O  Lord,  the  increase  of  thy 
grace,  and  such  aids  of  thy  holy  Spirit,  as  may  enable 
us  to  subdue  our  sins,  and  fit  us  for  all  the  duties  of 
thy  service  which  either  we  have  neglected,  or  but 
imperfectly  performed.  That  we  may  serve  thee,  our 
God,  sincerely  without  hypocrisy;  cheerfully  with- 
out dulness;  and  constantly,  without  falling  away,  or 
being  weary  of  *  well-doing.     Thou   art  not  weary  to 


208  FAMILY  RELIGION. 

do  us  good ;  O  let  us  never  be  weary  to  do  thee  ser- 
vice :  but  as  thou  hast  pleasure  in  the  prosperity  of  thy 
servants,  so  let  us  take  pleasure  in  the  service  of  our 
Lord,  and  abound  in  thy  work,  and  in  thy  love  and  praise 
evermore.  O  fill  up  all  that  is  wanting,  and  reform  what- 
ever is  amiss  in  us,  and  perfect  that  which  concerns  us ; 
making  us  such  in  our  hearts,  and  in  our  lives,  towards 
thee,  our  God,  that  we  may  obtain  thy  blessed  peace 
here,  and  thy  heavenly  glory  hereafter.  And  be  thou 
pleased  to  grant  us  now,  out  of  the  riches  of  thy  grace, 
the  comfortable  sense  of  thy  gracious  acceptance  of  us, 
and  thy  merciful  intentions  towards  us.  O  speak  peace 
to  our  consciences,  and  say  to  our  souls,  Thou  art  our 
salvation ;  that  we  may  look  upon  thee,  our  God,  as  a 
reconciled  Father  to  us  in  Jesus  Christ. 

In  his  great  name,  and  prevailing  mediation,  we  en- 
large our  petitions,  in  behalf  of  the  whole  race  of  man- 
kind, that  are  now  with  us  alive  upon  earth.  O  that  all 
the  ends  of  the  world  may  remember  themselves,  and 
turn  to  the  Lord,  and  see  the  salvation  of  our  God! 
Do  good,  O  God,  in  thy  good  pleasure,  to  Zion ;  and  build 
thou  the  walls  of  Jerusalem,  that  we  may  see  the  good 
of  it  all  the  days  of  our  life.  Continue  thy  mercies  to 
this  sinful  land,  whereof  we  are  sinful  members.  Teach 
us  to  know  the  meaning  of  thy  dispensations  to  us ;  and 
help  us  to  improve  by  all  thy  dealings  with  us.  O  turn 
all  our  hearts  to  thee,  as  the  heart  of  one  man ;  and  re- 
form all  our  lives,  according  to  the  holy  pattern  and  pre- 
cepts of  our  Lord,  that  thou  mayest  cause  thy  anger  to- 
wards us  to  cease;  and  go  on  still  to  take  care  of  us,  and 
never  leave  nor  forsake  us. 

Bless  abundantly,  we  humbly  beseech  thee,  thy  ser- 
vant, the  President  of  the  United  States,  and  all  others 
in  authority;  and  so  replenish  them  with  the  grace  of  thy 


FAMILY  PRAYER.  209 

holy  Spirit,  that  they  may  always  incline  to  thy  will,  and 
walk  in  thy  way:  endue  them  plenteously  with  heavenly 
gifts ;  and  grant  them  in  health  and  prosperity  long  to 
live.*  And  grant  unto  all  ministers  of  thy  gospel  con- 
tinual supplies  of  all  needful  gifts  and  graces  of  thy  holy 
Spirit,  for  the  faithful  and  comfortable  discharge  of  their 
several  duties.  O  bring  all  our  neighbours  near  to  thy- 
self; and  be  thou  a  friend  to  all  our  friends,  a  father  to 
the  fatherless,  a  husband  to  the  widow,  a  refuge  to  the 
oppressed,  a  physician  to  the  sick,  a  helper  to  the  friend- 
less, a  God  of  consolation  to  the  distressed  and  sorrow- 
ful, whatever  be  their  trouble  and  affliction.  O  bless  to 
us,  whatever  thou  art  pleased  to  allot  to  us,  and  every 
thing  that  befalls  us.  Make  all  work  for  our  good ; 
to  build  us  up  in  thy  grace,  and  to  help  us  on  to  thy 
glory. 

And  as  thou  hast  been  good  and  kind  to  us  the  day 
past,  and  throughout  our  whole  lives ;  for  which  we  de- 
sire, O  Lord,  humbly  and  thankfully  to  admire  thy  love, 
and  to  bless  thy  name ;  so  we  beg  that  we  may  expe- 
rience the  continuance  of  thy  gracious  goodness,  to  us, 
and  thy  fatherly  care  over  us,  this  present  night.  O  pre- 
serve and  defend,  and  bless  and  keep  us,  that  no  evil 
may  befall  us,  nor  any  plague  come  nigh  our  dwelling. 


*  In  the  English  copy  the  reading  of  the  preceding  part  of  this 
paragraph  is  in  the  following  words ;  "  Bless  abundantly  the  King's 
Majesty,  who  now  sways  the  sceptre  of  these  realms.  O  Lord  pre- 
serve his  life,  prolong  his  days,  and  prosper  his  government  Give 
him  the  hearts  of  his  subjects,  and  the  necks  of  his  enemies.  Make 
him  the  rejoicing  of  thy  people,  and  a  terror  only  to  evil-doers.  O 
continue  him  long  a  zealous  defender  of  the  faith,  a  promoter  of  thy 
fear,  and  asserter  of  our  rights,  that  under  his  shadow  we  may  be  in 
peace  and  safety,  enjoying  the  liberty  of  the  gospel,  and  the  free 
profession  and  establishment  of  thy  true  and  holy  religion." 

18* 


210  FAMILY  RELIGION. 

Give  us  sleep  and  rest  to  refresh  and  strengthen  us  for 
thy  service,  and  our  duty ;  and  prepare  us,  O  Lord,  for 
our  last  sleep,  in  death,  and  for  our  departure  out  of  this 
mortal  life,  and  those  great  accounts  that  we  must  make 
before  the  judgment-seat  of  Jesus  Christ.  O  instruct  us, 
and  assist  us,  in  that  great  work  of  preparation  for  our 
everlasting  condition ;  that  we  may,  in  this  only  time  of 
preparation,  finish  the  great  work  which  thou  hast  given 
us  to  do,  before  the  night  of  death  overtake  us,  wherein 
we  cannot  work.  That,  whenever  thou  shalt  be  pleased 
to  give  us  the  summons  of  death,  we  may  find  nothing 
to  do  but  to  die,  and  cheerfully  resign  our  spirits  into  thy 
gracious  hands,  who  gavest  them  to  us,  through  the 
riches  of  thy  grace,  and  the  wortliiness  of  thy  Son ;  in 
whose  merits  alone  we  trust,  and  to  thy  name,  O  blessed 
God  of  our  salvation,  be  the  praise,  and  honour,  and 
glory,  given  by  us  and  all  thy  people,  from  this  time  forth 
for  evermore.     Amen. 


OCCASIONAL   PRAYERS. 


A  MORNING  PRAYER, 

FOR  THE  FIRST  MONDAY  IN  THE  MONTH; 

A  day  devoted,  by  Evangelical  churches  of  all  denomina- 
tions, to  prayer  for  the  coming  of  Christ's  kingdom  in 
the  world.  Swete. 

Almighty  and  most  merciful  Lord  God,  whose  is  the 
earth  and  the  fulness  thereof,  and  whose  power  alone  can 
change  the  hearts  of  sinful  men;  we  humbly  beseech 
thee,  that  it  may  please  thee  to  have  mercy  upon  all  men, 
that  thy  ways  may  be  known  upon  earth,  thy  saving 
health  among  all  nations.  O  look  down  in  compassion 
from  the  habitation  of  thy  holiness  upon  a  world  lying  in 
ignorance  and  iniquity;  and  as  it  is  thy  revealed  will 
that  thy  gospel  should  be  preached  to  every  creature  un- 
der heaven,  O  send  forth  thy  light  and  thy  truth  into  its 
most  benighted  corners,  to  enlighten  the  millions  who  sit 
in  darkness  and  the  shadow  of  death,  and  to  turn  them 
from  the  power  of  Satan  unto  thyself,  the  living  God. 

O  thou  glorious  Head  of  the  church,  who  hast  obtained 
the  heathen  for  thine  inheritance,  and  the  uttermost  parts 
of  the  earth  for  thy  possession ;  stretch  forth  thy  holy 
arm ;  destroy  the  face  of  the  covering  that  is  over  all 
people,  and  the  veil  that  is  spread  over  all  nations ;  and 
from  the  rising  of  the  sun  to  the  going  down  thereof,  let  thy 
name  be  great  among  the  Gentiles.  O  may  they  forsake 
their  idols  and  their  refuges  of  lies,  and  may  they  hear 
and  receive  thy  holy  word ;  may  thy  Holy  Spirit  enlighten 
their  understandings,  and  prepare  their  hearts  to  welcome 
the  sound  of  the  glorious  gospel  of  God  our  Saviour,  and 
to  receive  it  as  a  faithful  saying  and  worthy  of  all  accept- 


212  FAMILY  RELIGION. 

ation,  that  Christ  Jesus  came  into  the  world  to  save  sin- 
ners. O  Lord,  make  them  willing  in  the  day  of  thy  power, 
and  teach  them  effectually  that  there  is  no  other  name 
under  heaven,  given  amongst  men  whereby  they  can  be 
saved,  but  the  name  of  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  in  whom 
there  is  plenteous  redemption. 

And,  O  thou  God  of  Israel,  pour  down  upon  thine  an- 
cient people,  the  Jews,  the  spirit  of  grace  and  of  supplica- 
tion, that  they  may  look  by  faith  to  him  whom  their  fathers 
pierced,  and  mourn.  Remove  the  veil  that  is  upon  their 
hearts,  and  hasten  the  time  when  they  shall  acknowledge 
the  Lord  Jesus  to  be  their  Messiah,  and  be  gathered  unto 
his  fold ;  that  thus  both  Jews  and  Gentiles  may  become 
one  flock  under  one  shepherd,  and  may  unite  in  one  tri- 
umphant song  of  praise  to  their  redeeming  God. 

Merciful  Father,  be  especially  kind  to  our  native  coun- 
try. We  bless  thee  that  thou  hast  cast  our  lot  in  a  land 
where  the  true  light  shineth.  We  praise  thee  for  all  the 
national  mercies  and  privileges  which  we  enjoy.  But 
alas !  what  a  hard-hearted  people  we  are,  and  what  re- 
bellion and  ingratitude  have  we  continually  betrayed  to- 
wards thee,  who  art  year  after  year  crowning  us  with 
mercies !  O  humble  us  under  a  sense  of  our  national  as 
well  as  our  individual  sins.  Let  us  not  revolt  more  and 
more,  but  cause  thy  face  to  shine  upon  us,  that  iniquity 
may  not  be  our  ruin.  Show  us  thy  mercy,  O  Lord, 
and  grant  us  thy  salvation. 

Bless  the  ministers  of  thy  holy  word.  Open  to  them 
an  effectual  door  of  usefulness.  May  they  go  forth  in 
the  fullness  of  the  blessing  of  the  gospel  of  peace,  rightly 
dividing  the  word  of  truth,  and  directing  sinners  to  the 
Lamb  of  God,  who  taketh  away  the  sins  of  the  world. 
Prepare  and  call  forth  more  labourers  into  thy  vineyard ; 
for  the  harvest  truly  is  plenteous,  but  the  labourers  are  few. 

Bless  all  institutions  formed  for  the  good  of  society, 


FAMILY  PRAYER.  213 

and  for  promoting  the  interests  of  true  religion:  especi- 
ally those  which  convey  the  words  of  eternal  life  into 
the  hands  of  our  perishing  fellow-creatures,  and  those 
which  send  the  messengers  of  thine  everlasting  gospel  to 
distant  shores. 

Let  thy  blessing  rest  also  upon  all  establishments  for 
the  instruction  of  our  youth.  May  all  our  children  be 
taught  of  thee,  that  they  may  remember  their  Creator  in 
the  days  of  their  youth.  May  their  infant  minds  be  di- 
rected to  Jesus ;  and  as  they  grow  in  years  may  they  grow 
in  grace,  and  in  the  knowledge  of  our  Lord  and  Saviour 
Jesus  Christ. 

Bless  all  our  fellow-citizens  throughout  the  land.  Mul- 
tiply grace,  mercy,  and  peace,  upon  all  that  love  our 
Lord  Jesus  Christ  in  sincerity.  Heal  all  our  unhappy 
divisions,  and  may  the  chief  desire  of  thy  people  be  to 
promote  that  blessed  religion  which  brings  "Glory  to 
God  in  the  highest,  on  earth  peace,  good-will  towards 
men." 

Bless  more  particularly  all  our  absent  relatives  and 
friends — Thou,  Lord,  knowest  whom  we  desire  to  bear 
on  our  hearts  before  thee ;  may  all  who  are  dear  to  us 
by  alliance  and  friendship,  be  dear  to  thee,  being  adopted 
by  thy  grace  and  made  heirs  of  thy  glory. 

And  now,  O  Lord,  while  we  ask  these  blessings  for 
others,  we  would  pray  for  ourselves.  We  beseech  thee 
to  bless  us,  even  us  also.  Search  and  try  our  hearts,  that 
no  wicked  thoughts  or  sinful  desires  may  be  permitted  to 
lodge  there.  Keep  us  this  day  from  all  sin,  and  defend 
us  from  all  danger.  May  we  run  in  the  way  of  thy 
commandments,  and  seek  thy  glory  in  all  things. 

Graciously  bow  thine  ear  to  the  prayers  which  may 
this  day  ascend  from  the  hearts  of  thy  people,  for  the 
coming  of  thy  kingdom ;  and  mercifully  return  an  answer 
in  peace,  to  the  glory  of  thy  great  name.     Bestow  upon 


214  FAMILY  RELIGION. 

thy  church  universal,  this  day,  the  spirit  of  wrestling  and 
prevailing  prayer,  that  the  cause  of  an  apostate  world 
may  be  borne  on  the  arms  of  faith  to  the  mercy-seal. 
And  to  God  the  Father,  God  the  Son,  and  God  the  Holy 
Ghost,  we  will  ascribe  everlasting  praises.     Amen. 


LAST  EVENING  OF  THE  OLD  YEAR.  Jay. 

O  God,  thou  hast  been  our  refuge  and  dwelling-place 
in  all  generations;  before  the  mountains  were  brought 
forth,  or  ever  thou  hadst  formed  the  earth  and  the  world, 
even  from  everlasting  to  everlasting,  thou  art  God.  And 
a  thousand  years  in  thy  sight,  are  but  as  yesterday  when 
it  is  past,  and  as  a  wTatch  in  the  night.  But  as  for  man, 
his  days  are  as  grass ;  as  a  flower  of  the  field  so  he 
flourisheth ;  for  the  wind  passeth  over  it,  and  it  is  gone, 
and  the  place  thereof  knoweth  it  no  more. 

We  appear  before  thee,  to  close  in  thy  presence,  another 
of  the  revolutions  of  our  fleeting  existence;  earnestly 
praying,  that  the  season  may  not  pass  away,  without 
suitable  and  serious  reflections. 

What  numbers  of  our  fellow  creatures,  and  many  of 
them  much  more  likely  to  have  continued  than  their  sur- 
vivors, have,  during  the  past  year,  been  carried  down  to 
their  long  home — but  we -have  been  preserved;  and  are 
the  living  to  praise  thee  this  day.  Blessed  be  the  God  of 
salvation,  to  whom  belong  the  issues  from  death,  that  we 
are  yet  in  the  regions  of  hope,  that  we  have  yet  an  ac- 
cepted time,  and  a  day  of  salvation ;  and  that  our  oppor- 
tunities of  doing  good,  as  well  as  of  gaining  good,  are 
still  prolonged. 

Thou  hast  commanded  us  to  remember  all  the  way, 
which  thou  hast  led  us  in  the  wilderness.  The  scene  of 
our  journeying  has  indeed  been  a  wilderness  ;  but  the 
hand  that  has  conducted  us  is  divine:  and  a  thousand 


FAMILY  PRAYER.  215 

privileges,  not  derivable  from  our  condition,  have  been 
experienced  in  it. 

Thou  hast  corrected  us,  but  it  is  of  the  Lord's  mercies 
we  are  not  consumed. 

We  have  had  our  afflictions,  but  how  few  have  they 
been  in  number ;  how  short  in  continuance ;  how  allevi- 
ated in  degree ;  how  merciful  in  design ;  how  instructive 
and  useful  in  their  results ! 

With  regard  to  our  severest  exercises,  we  are  com- 
pelled to  acknowledge,  thou  hast  not  dealt  with  us  after 
our  sins,  neither  hast  thou  rewarded  us  according  to  our 
iniquities.     It  is  good  for  me  that  I  have  been  afflicted. 

But  O,  what  a  series  of  bounties  and  blessings  present 
themselves  to  our  minds,  when  we  look  back  upon  the 
year  through  which  we  have  passed ;  and  to  what,  but 
to  thine  unmerited  goodness  in  the  Son  of  thy  love,  are 
we  indebted  for  all.  Health,  strength,  food,  raiment, 
residence,  friends,  relations,  comfort,  pleasure,  hope,  use- 
fulness,— all  our  benefits  have  dropped  from  thy  gracious 
hand:  and  there  has  not  been  a  day,  or  an  hour,  or  a 
moment,  but  has  published  thy  kindness  and  thy  care. 

Especially  would  we  acknowledge  thy  goodness,  in 
continuing  to  us  the  means  of  grace.  Whatever  has 
been  denied  us,  we  have  had  the  provisions  of  thy  house. 
The  toils  and  trials  of  the  week,  have  been  refreshed  and 
relieved  by  the  delights  of  the  Sabbath.  Our  eyes  have 
seen  our  teachers.  Our  ears  have  heard  the  joyful  sound 
of  the  gospel :  and  our  hearts  have  often  said,  Lord,  it  is 
good  for  us  to  be  here. 

But  O,  how  unprofitable  have  we  been  under  the  richest 
means  of  religious  prosperity — and,  wrhen  for  the  time 
we  ought  to  be  able  to  teach  others,  we  have  need  to  be 
again  taught  ourselves,  what  are  the  first  principles  of 
the  oracles  of  God. 

God  be  merciful  to  us  sinners.     Pardon  our  iniquity, 


216  FAMILY  RELIGION. 

for  it  is  great.  Cleanse  us  from  all  unrighteousness ;  and 
work  in  us  to  will  and  to  do  of  thy  good  pleasure.  Let  us 
not  carry  one  of  our  old  sins  with  us  into  the  new  year — 
unforgiven  —  unrepented  of — unbe wailed  —  unabhorred. 
With  a  new  portion  of  time,  may  we  have  new  hearts ; 
and  become  new  creatures. 

If  this  year  we  should  die — and  in  the  midst  of  life  we 
are  in  death,  may  death  prove  our  eternal  gain ;  and  if 
our  days  are  prolonged,  may  we  walk  before  the  Lord 
in  the  land  of  the  living,  and  show  forth  all  thy  praise. 
The  number  of  our  months  is  with  thee.  In  thy  hand 
our  breath  is,  and  thine  are  all  thy  ways.  Prepare  us 
for  all ;  and  be  with  us  in  all :  and  bring  us  safely  through 
al  into  the  rest  that  remains  for  thy  people ;  for  the  sake 
of  our  Lord  and  Saviour ;  in  whose  words  we  call  thee, 
Our  Father,  &c.     Amen. 

FIRST  MORNING  OF  THE  NEW  YEAR.  Jay. 

Of  old  hast  thou  laid  the  foundation  of  the  earth ;  and 
the  heavens  are  the  work  of  thy  hands.  They  shall 
perish,  but  thou  shalt  endure ;  yea,  all  of  them  shall  wax 
old  like  a  garment ;  as  a  vesture  shalt  thou  change  them, 
and  they  shall  be  changed ;  but  thou  art  the  same,  and 
thy  years  shall  have  no  end.  Through  all  the  successions 
of  time,  which  with  us  constitute  the  past,  the  present, 
and  the  future,  I  AM  is  thy  name,  and  this  is  thy  memo- 
rial in  all  generations. 

May  we  rejoice,  that  while  men  die,  the  Lord  liveth ; 
that  while  all  creatures  are  found  broken  reeds  and 
broken  cisterns,  he  is  the  Rock  of  ages,  and  the  Fountain 
of  living  waters.  O,  that  we  may  turn  away  our  hearts 
from  vanity ;  and  among  all  the  dissatisfaction  and  un- 
certainties of  the  present  state,  look  after  an  interest  in 
that  everlasting  covenant,  which  is  ordered  in  all  things 


FAMILY  PRAYER.  217 

and  sure.  May  wc  seek  after  a  union  with  thyself,  as 
the  strength  of  our  heart,  and  our  portion  for  ever,  and 
be  partakers  ourselves  of  the  immutability  we  adore; 
for  thou  hast  assured  us,  that  while  the  world  passeth 
away,  and  the  lusts  thereof,  he  that  doeth  the  will  of  God, 
abideth  for  ever. 

We  thank  thee,  that  thou  hast  revealed  to  us  the  way 
in  which  a  fallen  and  perishing  sinner  can  be  eternally 
united  to  thyself;  and  that  Jesus  is  the  way,  the  truth,  and 
the  life. .  In  his  name  we  come ;  O  receive  us  graciously ; 
justify  us  freely  from  all  things;  renew  us  in  the  spirit 
of  our  minds ;  and  bless  us  with  all  spiritual  blessings  in 
heavenly  places  in  Christ. 

As  we  have  entered  on  a  new  period  of  life,  may  we 
faithfully  examine  ourselves,  to  see  what  has  been  amiss 
in  our  former  temper  and  conduct ;  and  in  thy  strength 
may  we  resolve  to  correct  it.  And  may  we  inquire  for 
the  future — with  a  full  determination  to  reduce  our  know- 
ledge to  practice,  Lord,  what  wilt  thou  have  me  to  do  1 

Prepare  us  for  all  the  duties  of  the  ensuing  year.  All 
the  wisdom  and  strength  necessary  for  the  performance 
of  them,  must  come  from  thyself;  may  we,  therefore, 
live  a  life  of  self-distrust,  of  divine  dependence,  and  of 
prayer ;  may  we  ask  and  receive,  that  our  joy  may  be 
full ;  may  we  live  in  the  spirit,  and  walk  in  the  spirit. 

If  we  are  indulged  with  prosperity,  O  let  not  our  pros- 
perity destroy  us,  or  injure  us.  If  we  are  exercised  with 
adversity,  suffer  us  not  to  sink  in  the  hour  of  trouble,  or 
sin  against  God.  May  we  know  how  to  be  abased  with- 
out despondence ;  and  to  abound  without  pride.  If  our 
relative  comforts  are  continued  to  us,  may  we  love  them 
without  idolatry,  and  hold  them  at  thy  disposal ;  and  if 
they  are  recalled  from  us,  may  we  be  enabled  to  say,  The 
Lord  gave,  and  the  Lord  hath  taken  away ;  and  blessed 
be  the  name  of  the  Lord. 

19 


2J8  FAMILY  RELIGION. 

Fit  us  for  all  events.  We  know  not  what  a  day  may 
bring  forth ;  but  we  encourage  ourselves  in  the  Lord  our 
God,  and  go  forward.  Nothing  can  befall  us  by  chance. 
Thou  hast  been  thus  far  our  helper;  and  hast  promised 
to  be  with  us  in  every  condition.  Thou  hast  engaged  to 
make  all  things  work  together  for  good ;  all  thy  ways  are 
mercy  and  truth.  May  we,  therefore,  be  careful  for  no- 
thing, but  in  every  thing,  by  prayer  and  supplication  with 
thanksgiving,  may  we  make  known  our  requests  unto 
God ;  and  may  the  peace  of  God  that  passeth  all  under- 
standing, keep  our  hearts  and  minds  through  Christ  Jesus. 

Bless,  O  bless  the  young ;  may  each  of  them  this  day 
hear  thee,  saying.  My  son,  give  me  thy  heart ;  and,  from 
this  time,  may  they  cry  unto  thee  as  the  guide  of  their 
youth.  Regard  those  who  have  reached  the  years,  where- 
in they  say  we  have  no  pleasure  in  them.  If  old  in  sin, 
may  they  be  urged  to  embrace,  before  it  be  for  ever  too 
late,  the  things  that  belong  to  their  peace ;  and  if  old  in 
grace,  uphold  them  with  thy  free  spirit,  and  help  them  to 
remember,  that  now  is  their  salvation  nearer  than  when 
they  believed. 

Bless  all  the  dear  connexions  attached  to  us  by  nature, 
friendship,  or  religion-  Grace  to  them,  and  peace  be 
multiplied. 

Let  our  country  share  thy  protection  and  smiles.  Bless 
all  our  rulers  and  magistrates. 

Bless  all  our  churches  and  congregations.  Bless  all 
thy  ministers;  may  thine  ordinances  in  their  hands  be 
enlivening  and  refreshing,  and  thy  word  effectual  to  wound 
and  to  heal. 

May  this  be  a  year  remarkable  for  the  conversion  of 
souls,  and  the  extension  of  the  Gospel.  Bless  all  mission- 
ary societies ;  and  let  the  circling  months  see  the  banners 
of  the  Redeemer  carried  forward,  till  all  nations  are 
subdued  to  the  obedience  of  faith.     Our  Father,  which 


FAMILY  PRAYER.  219 

art  in  heaven,  hallowed  be  thy  name ;  thy  kingdom  come ; 
thy  will  be  done  on  earth  as  it  is  in  heaven ;  give  us  this 
day  our  daily  bread;  and  forgive  us  our  trespasses  as  we 
forgive  those  that  trespass  against  us ;  and  lead  us  not 
into  temptation ;  but  deliver  us  from  evil ;  for  thine  is  the 
kingdom,  the  power,  and  the  glory,  for  ever.     Amen. 

MORNING  OF  A  FAST  DAY.     CogsicelL 

O  thou  justly  offended  Sovereign ;  we  desire  to  bow 
before  thee,  on  this  day  of  fasting,  humiliation,  and  pray- 
er, with  the  deepest  self-abasement.  May  we  offer  unto 
thee  the  sacrifice  of  a  broken  and  contrite  heart,  which, 
O  God !  thou  wilt  not  despise.  O  our  God !  we  are 
ashamed,  and  blush  to  lift  up  our  faces  to  thee  our  God ; 
for  our  iniquities  are  increased  over  our  heads,  and  our 
trespasses  are  grown  up  into  the  heavens.  We  confess 
that  we  are  by  nature  children  of  wrath  even  as  others, 
and  are  under  the  curse  of  a  broken  law.  We  have 
wickedly  and  ungratefully  departed  from  thee,  the  living 
God,  and  practically  said,  Depart  from  us,  we  desire  not 
the  knowledge  of  thy  ways.  We  have  hated  and  despised 
reproof,  and  disregarded  thy  warnings  and  instructions, 
abused  thy  goodness,  and  slighted  thy  mercies.  Thou 
hast  nourished  and  brought  us  up  as  children,  but  we 
have  rebelled  against  thee.  It  is  of  the  Lord's  mercies, 
that  we  are  not  consumed,  because  thy  compassions  fail 
not.  Look  down,  O  God !  in  mercy  upon  us  miserable 
sinners.  Pardon  us  through  the  mediation  of  Christ. 
Blot  out  all  our  transgressions,  and  be  at  peace  with  us. 
Wash  us,  and  we  shall  be  clean ;  purify  us,  and  we  shall 
be  whiter  than  snow.  Help  us  to  keep  such  a  fast  this 
day,  as  thou  hast  chosen,  and  to  rend  our  hearts,  and  not 
our  garments ;  and  turn  unto  the  Lord  our  God,  for  he 
is  gracious  and  merciful,  slow  to  anger  and  of  great 


220  FAMILY  RELIGION. 

kindness,  and  repenteth  him  of  the  evil.  We  acknow- 
ledge, O  Lord!  that  iniquity  abounds,  and  the  love  of 
many  waxes  cold.  We  lament  the  profanation  of  thy 
holy  name,  and  thy  holy  day ;  the  disregard  of  thine  au- 
thority, and  the  disobedience  of  thy  sacred  laws,  and  that 
such  multitudes  cast  off  fear,  and  restrain  prayer  before 
thee.  Pour,  we  beseech  thee,  upon  thy  people,  a  spirit 
of  repentance  and  reformation.  Let  the  wickedness  of 
the  wicked  come  to  an  end ;  but  establish  the  just.  May 
temperance  and  sobriety,  industry  and  good  habits,  uni- 
versally prevail.  Behold  thy  people  prostrate  at  the  throne 
of  grace,  and  hear  their  prayers,  whether  offered  in  the 
sanctuary,  in  the  family,  or  in  the  closet.  Spare  thy  peo- 
ple, O  Lord !  and  give  not  thine  heritage  to  reproach. 
We  deserve  all  thy  rebukes  and  chastisements.  Thou 
wouldst  be  just,  shouldst  thou  cast  us  off  for  ever.  Re- 
turn, O  Lord !  how  long  ?  and  let  it  repent  thee  concern- 
ing us  thy  servants.  O  satisfy  us  early  with  thy  mercy, 
that  we  may  rejoice,  and  be  glad  all  our  days. — Preserve 
us  from  the  pestilence  that  walketh  in  darkness,  and  the 
destruction  that  wasteth  at  noon  day.  Save  us  from  the 
ravages  of  tempests  and  earthquakes,  fire  and  water, 
persecution  and  the  sword.  Continue  the  health  and  hap- 
piness of  thy  people.  Bless  the  people  of  this  nation  in 
all  their  interests  and  concerns.  Ever  may  we  remember, 
that  righteousness  exalteth  a  nation,  but  sin  is  a  reproach 
to  any  people.  Propitiously  regard  the  President  of  the 
United  States,  all  heads  of  department,  and  all  in  subor- 
dinate authority.  Give  them  that  wisdom  which  is  from 
above,  and  is  first  pure,  then  peaceable,  and  easy  to  be 
entreated,  full  of  mercy  and  good  fruits,  without  partial- 
ity, and  without  hypocrisy.  May  they  ever  desire  to  pro- 
mote the  glory  of  God,  and  the  highest  interest  of  this 
people.  Bless  the  Governor  of  this  State,  and  the  legis- 
lative, judicial,  and  executive  branches  of  the  govern- 


FAMILY  PRAYER.  221 

ment.  Smile  mercifully  upon  all  the  Ministers  of  religion. 
May  they  not  shun  to  declare  all  the  counsel  of  God, 
whether  men  will  hear,  or  whether  they  will  forbear. 
Make  them  burning  and  shining  lights  in  thy  golden  can- 
dlesticks, and  instrumental  of  great  good  to  Zion.  May 
all  our  colleges,  academies,  and  schools  of  learning,  be 
nurseries  of  useful  knowledge,  and  of  piety.  Bless  all 
the  institutions  of  true  religion,  humanity,  and  benevo- 
lence. Graciously  succeed  all  efforts  to  spread  a  know- 
ledge of  the  gospel  of  Christ  among  the  great  family  of 
man.  Compassionate  the  circumstances  of  all  people, 
and  fill  the  earth  with  thy  glory.  Now  unto  him  that  is 
able  to  do  exceeding  abundantly  above  all  that  we  ask  or 
think,  according  to  the  power  that  worketh  in  us,  unto 
him  be  glory  in  the  Church,  by  Christ  Jesus,  throughout 
all  ages,  world  without  end.     Amen. 

MORNING  OF  A  THANKSGIVING  DAY.     Jay. 

O  God,  thou  art  very  great,  thou  art  clothed  with  honour 
and  majesty ;  thou  coverest  thyself  with  light  as  with  a 
garment;  thou  walkest  upon  the  wings  of  the  wind. 
When  we  reflect  on  the  glory  of  thy  majesty,  we  are  filled 
with  wonder  at  the  vastness  of  thy  condescension.  For 
thou  condescendest  even  to  behold  things  that  are  in 
heaven.  What  then  is  man,  that  thou  art  mindful  of  him, 
or  the  Son  of  man,  that  thou  visitest  him  1 

Hitherto  hath  the  Lord  helped  us.  We  bless  thee  fo1* 
personal  mercies.  If  we  are  called,  it  is  by  thy  word. 
If  we  are  renewed,  it  is  by  thy  Spirit.  If  we  are  justi- 
fied, it  is  freely  by  thy  grace  through  the  redemption  that 
is  in  Christ  Jesus.  It  is  in  thee  we  live,  and  move,  and 
have  our  being.  Thy  goodness  has  been  always  near  us, 
to  hear  our  complaints,  to  soothe  our  sorrow,  and  to  com- 
mand deliverance  for  us. 

We  thank  thee  for  relative  benefits  ;  for  blessings  on  our 
19  * 


222  FAMILY  RELIGION. 

families,  blessings  on  our  churches,  and  blessings  on  our 
country.  We  confess  that  we  are  not  worthy  of  the  least 
of  all  thy  mercies,  and  of  all  the  truth  which  thou  hast 
showed  unto  thy  servants.  Sins  of  every  kind  and  of 
every  degree,  have  reigned  among  us ;  have  spread 
through  all  ranks  and  orders  ;  and  continued  notwithstand- 
ing all  warnings  and  corrections ;  and  if  thou  hadst  dealt 
with  us  after  our  sins,  or  rewarded  us  according  to  our 
iniquities,  we  should,  long  ago,  have  had  no  name,  nor 
place,  among  the  nations  of  the  globe. 

But  to  the  Lord,  our  God,  belong  mercies  and  forgive- 
nesses, though  we  have  rebelled  against  him.  All  thy 
dispensations  towards  us  have  said,  with  a  tenderness 
that  ought  to  penetrate  our  hearts — how  shall  I  give  thee 
up !  Our  privileges,  never  properly  improved,  and  for- 
feited times  without  number,  have  been  continued.  We 
still  behold  our  Sabbaths,  and  our  ears  still  hear  the  joy- 
ful sound.  Our  constitution,  liberties,  and  laws,  have  not 
been  subverted  or  impaired.  Thou  hast  given  us  rains, 
and  fruitful  seasons :  Thou  hast  filled  us  with  the  finest 
of  the  wheat ;  our  garners  have  been  affording  all  manner 
of  store ;  our  oxen  have  been  strong  to  labour ;  our  sheep 
have  brought  forth  thousands  and  ten  thousands  in  our 
streets.  Thou  hast  spread  thy  wing,  and  sheltered  us 
from  the  pestilence  that  walketh  in  darkness  and  the  de- 
struction that  wasteth  at  noon-day, 

May  we  never  convert  our  blessings  into  instruments 
of  provocation,  by  making  them  the  means  of  nourishing 
pride  and  presumption,  wantonness  and  intemperance; 
and  compel  thee  to  complain — Do  ye  thus  requite  the 
Lord,  O  foolish  people,  and  unwise  ?  Is  not  he  thy  Father, 
that  hath  bought  thee  ?  Hath  he  not  made  thee,  and  es- 
tablished thee  f 

For  this  purpose  meet  with  us  in  thy  house ;  and  may  the 
goings  of  our  God  and  our  King  be  seen  in  the  sanctua- 


FAMILY  PRAYER.  223 

ry.  Be  with  the  preacher,  and  with  the  hearers;  and 
let  the  words  of  his  mouth,  and  the  meditation  of  their 
hearts,  be  acceptable  in  thy  sight,  O  Lord,  our  strength 
and  our  Redeemer.  May  public  instruction  awaken  the 
ardour  of  our  feelings ;  may  our  gratitude  not  only  be 
lively,  but  practical  and  permanent.  And  by  all  thy  mer- 
cies may  we  present  our  bodies  a  living  sacrifice,  holy 
and  acceptable  unto  thee,  which  is  our  reasonable  ser- 
vice. 

Bless  the  Lord,  ye  his  angels  that  excel  in  strength, 
that  do  his  commandments,  hearkening  unto  the  voice  of 
his  word.  Bless  ye  the  Lord,  all  ye  his  hosts :  ye  ministers 
of  his,  that  do  his  pleasure.  Bless  the  Lord,  all  his  works, 
in  all  places  of  his  dominion ;  bless  the  Lord,  O  my  soul. 
Amen. 

WHEN  ANY  MEMBER  OF  A  FAMILY  IS  SICK.    Swete. 

Almighty  and  most  merciful  God,  at  whose  word  dis- 
eases come  and  depart,  encouraged  by  thy  gracious  pro- 
mises, we  flee  to  thee  in  this  our  time  of  need.  In  sub- 
mission to  thy  most  wise  and  holy  will,  we  earnestly  sup- 
plicate thee  on  behalf  of  thy  servant  whose  illness  causes 
us  great  anxiety.  O  Lord,  be  gracious  to  him,  [or  her,] 
and  enable  him  to  bear  with  patience  those  fatherly  cor- 
rections which  thou  dost  lay  upon  him.  Show  forth  thy 
power  and  glory,  in  raising  him  from  a  bed  of  sickness, 
and  in  making  him  a  monument  of  thy  pardoning  mercy 
in  Christ  Jesus.  Merciful  God,  whatever  may  be  the 
issue  of  this  sickness,  give  thy  afflicted  servant  a  sancti- 
fied use  of  it ;  work  in  him  deep  conviction  of  sin,  un- 
feigned repentance  towards  thee,  and  steadfast  faith  in 
our  Lord  Jesus  Christ.  Enable  him  to  build  all  his 
hopes  upon  the  crucified  Saviour,  and  looking  unto  Jesus, 
may  he  be  filled  with  resignation,  joy  and  peace.  And 
shouldst  thou,  in  thy  tender  mercy,  bless  the  means  which 


224  FAMILY  RELIGION. 

are  used  for  the  restoration  of  his  health,  Oh !  teach  him 
and  us  to  glorify  thee,  the  God  of  our  salvation,  in  our 
bodies  and  souls  which  are  thine.  We  present  before 
thee  these  our  supplications,  through  the  merits  and  me- 
diation of  thy  beloved  Son,  our  only  Saviour  Jesus 
Christ.     Amen. 

WHEN  ANY  MEMBER  OF  A  FAMILY  IS  DANGEROUSLY 

ILL.  Swetc. 

O  thou  Creator  and  Preserver  of  men,  to  whom  belong 
the  issues  both  of  life  and  death,  we  earnestly  beseech 
thee  to  look  down  in  tender  compassion  on  thy  servant, 
who  now  groans  under  the  weight  of  thy  chastisement. 
When  all  human  resources  fail,  and  all  human  hope  is 
lost,  it  is  not  in  vain  to  flee  to  thee  for  succour.  To  the 
arms  of  thy  mercy,  therefore,  we  commend  our  dear 
friend.  We  know  that  nothing  is  impossible  with  thee, 
and  that  if  thou  wilt,  thou  canst  even  yet  raise  him  [or 
her]  up,  and  grant  Mm  a  longer  continuance  amongst  us. 
But  enable  us,  gracious  Lord,  to  resign  all  our  thoughts 
and  desires  concerning  him  to  thee,  for  thou  knowest  what 
is  best  both  for  him  and  for  us. 

Merciful  Lord,  should  this  sickness  be  unto  death,  we 
implore  thee  to  succour  and  strengthen  him  in  his  last 
conflict ;  and  the  more  the  outward  man  decayeth,  con- 
tinually strengthen  him  so  much  the  more  with  thy  grace 
in  the  inner  man.  Wash  away  all  his  guilt  in  the  blood 
of  that  spotless  Lamb,  who  was  slain  to  take  away  the 
sins  of  the  world.  Cheer  his  soul  with  a  comfortable 
hope  of  thy  pardoning  mercy ;  and  support  him  whilst 
passing  through  the  valley  of  the  shadow  of  death,  by 
the  remembrance  of  thy  exceeding  great  and  precious 
promises.  Looking  unto  Jesus,  may  he  see  death  deprived 
of  its  sting,  and  the  grave  of  its  victory ;  yea,  may  he 
be   enabled   to   triumph   in  the  prospect  of  that  period 


FAMILY  PRAYER.  225 

when  he  shall  be  admitted  into  thy  kingdom,  there  to 
unite  with  the  angelic  choir,  and  the  spirits  of  just  men 
made  perfect,  to  celebrate  thy  glory  throughout  all  eter- 
nity. 

O  Lord,  regard  us  in  mercy  also;  prepare  us  for 
whatsoever  thou  mayest  have  appointed  for  us,  and  if  thy 
wisdom  and  mercy  have  ordained  the  removal  of  thy 
servant,  whom  we  are  remembering  before  thee,  enable 
us  to  meet  the  awful  stroke  with  serenity  of  spirit,  and  to 
adore  the  infinite  wisdom  and  love  displayed  in  this  and 
in  all  thy  dispensations  towards  us.  Help  us  also  to  im- 
prove this  solemn  season.  Realize  to  our  minds  the  un- 
certain tenure  by  which  we  hold  all  temporal  things,  and 
the  vast  importance  of  eternal  things.  May  we  hear  thy 
warning  voice  saying  to  us — "  Be  ye  also  ready,  for  ye 
know  not  the  day  nor  the  hour  when  the  Son  of  man 
cometh."  O  thou  God  of  our  salvation,  send  down  an 
answer  of  peace  to  these  our  supplications,  and  do  for  us 
above  all  that  we  can  ask  or  think,  for  the  sake  of 
Jesus  Christ  our  only  Mediator.     Amen. 

FAMILY  THANKSGIVING.  Swete. 

For  the  Recovery  of  any  Member  of  it  from  a  Dangerous  Sickness. 

O  most  merciful  Lord  God,  who  art  wonderful  in  thy 
doings,  and  gracious  in  thy  dispensations  towards  the 
children  of  men,  we  offer  up  unto  thee  our  sacrifice  of 
thanksgiving,  for  bringing  back  thy  servant  from  the  con- 
fines of  the  grave.  Blessed  be  thy  name,  that  though  thou 
hast  chastened  him,  [or  her,]  thou  hast  not  delivered  him 
over  unto  death.  In  the  midst  of  thy  judgments,  thou 
hast  remembered  mercy, — thou  hast  made  all  his  bed  in 
his  sickness,  and  hast  restored  him  to  the  arms  of  his 
family  and  his  friends. 

O  gracious  God,  we  thank  thee  that  thou  hast  heard 
our  supplications,  and  hast  had  mercy  not  on  him  only, 


226  FAMILY  RELIGION. 

tot 

but  on  us  also ;  for  thou  hast  turned  our  mourning  into 
joy,  and  our  disquietude  into  songs  of  praise.  We  be- 
seech thee  to  bless  all  further  means  made  use  of  for  his 
more  perfect  recovery  to  bodily  health;  but  above  all 
things,  influence  his  heart  with  a  grateful  sense  of  thy 
late  goodness  towards  him,  that  he  may  love  thee  more 
fervently,  serve  thee  more  cheerfully,  and  trust  in  thy 
salvation  more  assuredly.  Suffer  him  not  to  become 
careless  because  thou  hast  lengthened  out  a  little  that 
span  of  life  which  must  soon  terminate ;  but  make  him 
the  more  watchful  and  diligent  in  proportion  to  the  mer- 
cies vouchsafed  to  him.  Open  thou  his  lips  that  his  mouth 
may  declare  thy  mercy  and  truth  as  long  as  he  lives,  and 
grant  both  to  him  and  us,  a  desire  to  improve  the  day  of 
grace  whilst  it  shines  on  us ;  looking  for  the  glorious  ap- 
pearing of  our  Lord  and  Saviour  Jesus  Christ ;  to  whom, 
with  thee,  O  Father,  and  thee,  O  Eternal  Spirit,  three 
Persons  in  One  God,  be  ascribed  all  honour  and  glory, 
world  without  end.     Amen. 


[The  following  Collects  may  be  added,  on  the  occasions  specified,  to 
Morning  and  Evening  Family  Prayers.] 

CHRISTMAS  DAY— MORNING.        Swete. 

O  God,  who  hast  so  loved  the  world,  as  to  give  thine 
only  begotten  Son,  that  whosoever  believeth  in  him, 
should  not  perish,  but  have  everlasting  life ;  help  us  this 
day  with  true  humility,  and  with  heartfelt  gratitude,  and 
love,  and  praise,  to  meditate  upon  the  great  mystery  of 
godliness,  God  manifest  in  the  flesh. 

With  thy  holy  prophet  we  would  rejoice  that  "  unto  us 
a  child  is  born,  unto  us  a  son  is  given,  whose  name  is 
called  Wonderful,  Counsellor,  the  mighty  God,  the  ever- 
lasting Father,  the  Prince  of  Peace." 

With  the  choir  of  angels,  we  would  tune  our  hearts  to 


FAMILY  PRAYER.  227 

the  praise  of  redeeming  mercy,  and  sing,  "  Glory  to  God 
in  the  highest,  on  earth  peace,  good  will  towards  men." 

O  Lord,  bless  us  this  day  with  all  spiritual  blessings  in 
Christ  Jesus.  Make  us  joyful  in  thy  house  of  prayer. 
Whilst  we  contemplate  the  wondrous  mystery  of  the  in- 
carnation and  nativity  of  Christ  Jesus  our  Lord,  may  we 
remember  all  the  blessed  ends  for  which  he  left  the  glory 
that  he  had  with  the  Father  before  the  world  was,  and 
became  a  man  of  sorrows,  and  acquainted  with  grief. 
Give  us  grace,  that  we  may  cast  away  the  works  of  dark- 
ness, and  put  upon  us  the  armour  of  light,  now  in  the 
time  of  this  mortal  life,  in  which  thy  Son  Jesus  Christ 
came  to  visit  us  in  great  humility,  that  in  the  last  day, 
when  he  shall  come  again  in  his  glorious  Majesty,  to 
judge  both  the  quick  and  the  dead,  we  may  rise  to  the 
life  immortal,  through  him  who  liveth  and  reigneth  with 
thee  and  the  Holy  Ghost,  now  and  ever.     Amen. 

CHRISTMAS  DAY.— EVENING.        Sirete. 

O  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  that  which  we  believe  of  the  glory 
of  the  Father,  and  of  the  Holy  Ghost,  the  same  do  we 
believe  of  thy  glory,  without  any  difference  or  inequality. 
We  adore  thee  as  God  over  all,  blessed  for  ever;  who 
for  us  men,  and  for  our  salvation,  didst  come  down  from 
heaven,  and  wast  incarnate  by  the  Holy  Ghost,  of  the 
Virgin  Mary,  and  wast  made  man. 

O  Lord  God,  Lamb  of  God,  Son  of  the  Father,  that 
takest  away  the  sins  of  the  world,  have  mercy  upon  us. 
Thou  that  takest  away  the  sins  of  the  world,  have  mercy 
upon  us,  for  wrc  are  vile  earth,  and  miserable  sinners.  In 
thee  are  entered  all  our  hopes  of  pardon  and  grace,  of 
consolation  and  joy. 

We  bless  thee,  that  the  mystery  which  hath  been  hid 
from  ages,  hath  been  revealed  unto  us,  and  that  this  day 


228  FAMILY  RELIGION. 

we  have  again  heard  the  glad  tidings  that  "  unto  us  was 
born  a  Saviour,  which  is  Christ  the  Lord." 

O  Lord,  give  unto  us  the  increase  of  faith,  hope,  and 
charity.  Enable  us,  not  only  to  confess  thee  before  men 
as  our  Lord  and  our  God,  but  also  to  feel  our  need  of  thee, 
as  the  alone  cause  of  our  acceptance  at  the  throne  of 
grace.  And  O  may  we  receive  out  of  thy  fulness  grace 
for  grace,  be  conformed  to  thy  image,  and  be  prepared 
for  the  enjoyment  of  thy  glory. 

Saviour  of  the  world,  thou  art  the  light  to  lighten  the 
Gentiles,  and  the  glory  of  thy  people  Israel, — arise  and 
shine  upon  the  world  that  is  lying  in  darkness, — add  to 
thy  church  daily  such  as  shall  be  saved ;  and  hasten  the 
time  when  all  flesh  shall  see  the  salvation  of  our  God. 

Now  unto  him  that  is  able  to  keep  us  from  falling,  and 
to  present  us  faultless  before  the  presence  of  his  glory 
with  exceeding  joy,  to  the  only  wise  God  our  Saviour, 
be  glory  and  majesty,  dominion  and  power,  both  now  and 
ever.     Amen. 

ON  THE  DEATH  OF  OUR  DEAR  FRIENDS.  Jenhs. 
Great  God,  the  Lord  of  all,  thou  doest  whatsoever 
thou  pleasest  in  heaven  and  in  earth ;  and  who  may  call 
in  question  any  thing  which  thou  doest  ?  Thou  givest, 
and  takest  away,  raisest  and  dashest  our  hopes,  sendest 
and  destroyest  our  comforts,  and  thou  art  wise  and  right- 
eous, and  good  in  all ;  it  is  just  we  should  be  deprived 
of  the  enjoyments  which  we  slight  and  abuse ;  yea,  it  is 
good  for  us  to  have  those  things  taken  from  us,  which 
our  abuse  makes  hurtful  to  us ;  blessed  be  thy  name,  then, 
even  when  thou  takest  away,  as  well  as  when  thou  givest ; 
yet,  O  Lord,  who  art  justly  displeased  for  our  sins,  in 
mercy  turn  these  losses  to  the  advantage  of  our  souls, 
and  so  repair  the  breaches  out  of  thy  own  infinite  fulness, 
that  we  may  find  thy  own  blessed  self  unto  us,  more  and 


FAMILY  PRAYER.  229 

better  than  many,  even  of  such  friends  and  comforters; 
they  were  but  the  instrument  and  means  of  conveyance ; 
thou  the  eternal  spring  and  fountain  of  all  good,  art  still 
the  same,  and  amidst  all  these  changes,  never  changest 
at  all ;  and  what  thou  didst  give  to  us  by  such  means, 
thou  canst  more  than  make  up  to  us  another  way. 

O  our  heavenly  Father,  take  our  eyes,  and  hearts,  and 
hopes,  off  of  such  poor  dying  comforts,  to  fix  them  upon 
the  only  satisfying  good ;  in  the  enjoyment  of  which  con- 
sists all  our  true  life,  and  peace,  and  bliss ;  and  let  the 
great  emptiness,  and  frequent  disappointments  with  which 
we  meet,  in  all  the  comforts  of  creatures,  and  all  the  en- 
joyment of  the  world,  teach  us  more  wisdom  than  to 
place  our  affections  and  dependence  upon  them  ;  and  help 
to  disengage  and  loosen  our  hearts  from  them,  and  raise 
up  our  desires  and  hopes  to  the  glorious  permanent  objects, 
so  infinitely  to  be  preferred  before  them.  O  let  us  be 
more  crucified  to  the  world,  where  is  nothing  but  empti- 
ness and  disappointment,  vanity  and  vexation  of  spirit ; 
and  may  we  have  our  conversation  more  in  heaven, 
where  are  our  blessed  Lord,  and  all  his  happy  followers, 
of  whom  the  world  was  not  worthy,  and  every  thing  that 
the  soul  of  man  can  want  or  wish.  O  God  of  the  spirits 
of  all  flesh,  especially  of  the  just  made  perfect,  help  us 
to  follow  thy  servants,  our  friends,  departed  in  the  Lord, 
that  we,  with  them,  may  attain  at  last  to  live  in  the  sight 
and  presence,  in  the  love  and  praises,  and  in  the  fellow- 
ship and  enjoyment  of  thee,  our  God,  blessed  for  ever. 
Amen.  , 

IN  VIEW  OF  JOURNEYING.  Jay. 

O  God,  thou  hast  called  thyself  the  preserver  of  men, 
and  the  length  of  our  days.  We  are  therefore  encour- 
aged to  commit  ourselves  to  thy  guardian  care,  in  the 
journey  before  us. 

20 


230  FAMILY  RELIGION. 

Many  have  parted  with  their  friends,  with  the  hope  of 
soon  embracing  each  other  again,  but  instead  of  return- 
ing to  their  own  dwelling,  have  been  conveyed  to  the 
house  appointed  for  all  living.  We  pray,  with  submission 
to  thy  pleasure  that  this  may  not  be  our  experience. 
Give  thine  angels  charge  concerning  us,  to  keep  us  in  all 
our  ways.  Let  no  evil  befall  our  persons,  and  no  plague 
come  nigh  our  dwelling.  May  we  know  also  that  our 
tabernacle  is  in  peace. 

Yet,  uncertain  what  a  day  may  bring  forth,  may  we 
be  prepared  for  every  event  of  thy  providence;  and 
wherever,  in  dying,  we  go  from,  may  it  be  our  happiness 
to  know  where  we  are  going  to — and  rejoice  in  the  pros- 
pect, that  when  all  our  wanderings  and  partings  are 
ended,  we  shall  unite  in  our  heavenly  Father's  house,  and 
be  for  ever  with  the  Lord.     Amen. 

THANKSGIVING, 
For  a  safe  return  from  a  Journey. 

As  the  Keeper  of  Israel,  thou  hast  been  with  us,  not 
only  in  the  house,  but  by  the  way.  We  might  have  been 
injured  by  wicked  and  unreasonable  men.  We  might 
have  been  left  groaning  under  the  pain  of  bruised  or 
fractured  limbs.  Our  lives  might  have  been  spilt,  like 
water  on  the  ground,  which  cannot  be  gathered  up  again  ; 
and  the  first  tidings  that  reached  our  friends,  might  have 
plunged  them  into  anguish. 

But  all  our  bones  can  say,  Who  is  a  God  like  unto  thee  ? 
Thy  secret  too,  in  our  absence,  has  been  upon  our  taber- 
nacle, and  secured  it  from  all  evil — 0  that  it  may  be  the 
tabernacle  of  the  righteous ;  and  be  ever  filled,  not  only 
with  the  voice  of  rejoicing,  but  of  praise ! 

And  be  with  us  in  all  the  future  journey  of  life  ;  guide 
us  by  thy  counsel,  uphold  us  by  thy  power,  and  supply 
all  our  wants,  till  we  come  to  our  Father's  house  in  peace. 
Amen. 


FAMILY  PRAYER.  231 

A  PRAYER  FOR  RAIN.  Jenks. 

We  confess,  O  Lord,  that  we  have  so  greatly  abused 
the  comforts  of  thy  good  creatures,  that  thou  mightest 
justly  withdraw  them  from  us,  and  make  the  heavens 
over  us  as  brass,  and  the  rain  of  our  land  dust,  and  the 
land  itself  to  mourn,  and  all  that  grows  upon  it  to  wither. 
But  O  thou  Father  of  mercies,  who  in  judgment  remem- 
berest  mercy,  consult  not  now  our  merits,  but  thy  own 
mercies,  how  to  use  us.  Thou  that  hast  the  treasures  of 
heaven  at  thy  command,  be  pleased  now  to  open  the  win- 
dows of  heaven,  and  cause  the  rain  to  come  down  in  its 
season ;  making  grass  to  grow  for  the  cattle,  and  herbs 
and  fruits  of  the  earth  for  the  service  of  men.  And  how- 
ever thou  art  pleased  to  deal  with  us,  O  suppress  all  our 
repinings  at  any  of  thy  dealings ;  and  let  them  all  humble 
and  sanctify  us ;  and  make  us  a  people  prepared  to  re- 
ceive the  mercies  which  we  need,  and  wait,  and  beg  for, 
at  thy  gracious  hands,  upon  the  account  of  Jesus  Christ. 
Amen. 

FOR  FAIR  WEATHER.  Jenks. 

Lord,  if  thou  shouldst  turn  a  fruitful  land  into  barren- 
ness, before  the  wickedness  of  them  that  dwell  therein : 
yet  righteous  wert  thou,  and  just  would  be  thy  judgments ; 
and  we  must  not  open  our  mouths  to  reply  against  God ; 
but  bear  the  indignation  of  the  Lord,  which  our  sins  have 
so  much  deserved ;  when  our  iniquities  have  turned  away 
the  blessings,  and  withholden  the  good  things  from  us. 
But,  O  Father  of  mercies,  spare  us,  and  forgive  us,  for 
thy  own  mercy's  sake ;  and  put  a  stop  to  the  calamity 
that  threatens  destruction  to  the  work  of  thy  hands ;  that 
the  rain  which  is  a  blessing,  may  not  be  turned  into  a 
curse ;  nor  descend  from  heaven  to  corrupt  and  spoil  the 
fruits  of  the  earth.  O  cause  the  overflowing  showers  to 
cease,  which  damp  the  joy  of  the  harvest,  and  endanger 


232  FAMILY  RELIGION. 

the  blasting  of  our  blessings.  And  as  thou  hast  given  us 
plenty,  and  caused  our  land  to  yield  its  increase,  so  give 
us,  we  pray  thee,  a  seasonable  time  to  gather  in  the  fruits 
which  thy  bounty  has  provided  for  us ;  that  in  the  use  of 
them,  we  may  joyfully  and  cheerfully  serve  thee;  and 
not  consume  them  upon  our  lusts,  but  live  to  thy  glory, 
as  we  do  upon  thy  bounty.  And  when  thy  judgments 
are  in  the  land,  O  that  we,  who  inhabit  it,  may  learn 
righteousness !  nor  let  our  concern  be  so  great  for  our 
bodies  as  for  our  souls,  that  however  we  fare  here,  it  may 
go  well  with  us  for  ever.  O  let  us  not  labour  so  for  the 
meat  that  perisheth,  as  for  that  which  endures  to  everlast- 
ing life ;  which  everlasting  provision  for  our  unchange- 
able condition,  above  all,  we  beg  at  thy  hands,  O  Lord 
God  our  heavenly  Father,  for  the  sake  of  Jesus  Christ 
our  only  Saviour.     Amen. 

A  PRAYER  TO  BE  USED  IN  SECRET  BY  THE 
MASTER  OF  A  FAMILY.  Jenks. 

O  Most  High  God,  the  great  Lord  of  all,  whose  provi- 
dence disposes  the  several  ranks  of  men  in  the  world  ; 
and  thy  word  gives  rules  to  masters,  as  well  as  servants, 
how  to  demean  themselves  in  their  respective  places.  It 
is  thou,  my  Lord,  who  hast  made  me  the  head  of  this 
house :  O  that  I  may  walk  in  it  with  an  upright  heart, 
and  not  shelter  any  ill  thing  offensive  to  God  or  man, 
under  my  roof!  but  countenancing  the  pious,  correcting 
the  vicious,  and  yielding  myself  a  pattern  of  all  that  good 
which  ought  to  be  seen  in  the  rest ;  let  me  so  command 
my  children,  and  my  household  after  me,  that  they  may 
keep  the  way  of  the  Lord.  And  as  for  me  and  my  house, 
let  us  ever  in  faithfulness  serve  the  Lord.  O  that  there 
may  not  be  a  hypocrite,  nor  an  unrenewed  profane  per- 
son among  us.  Let  not  me  that  am  called  a  master, 
myself  serve  sin,  nor  be  enslaved  by  my  own  passions 
and  lusts ;  but  have  the  dominion  over  myself;  and  keep 


FAMILY  PRAYER.  233 

my  ever  waiting  upon  the  Lord  my  God,  even  as  the  eyes 
of  servants  are  in  the  hands  of  their  masters. 

O  that  my  wife  may  be  the  spouse  of  Christ ;  my  chil- 
dren the  children  of  God;  my  servants  the  servants  of 
the  Lord ;  and  all  the  members  of  my  family,  the  true 
members  of  thy  church,  and  the  constant  followers  of  all 
that  is  laudable  and  good.  Let  me  not  carry  myself  with 
rigour  and  a  high  hand,  or  despise  the  cause  even  of  my 
servants;  but  with  patience  and  fairness  hear  them;  and 
give  unto  them  that  which  is  just  and  equal,  knowing 
that  I  also  have  a  Master  in  heaven.  Let  me  not  exult 
over  any  that  are  under  the  yoke ;  nor  be  severe  and 
cruel  to  them;  nor  oppress  and  defraud  them  in  their 
wages,  nor  any  rewards  or  encouragements  that  they 
may  justly  expect  from  me.  But  let  my  dealings  with 
them,  and  my  usage  with  them,  be  upright  and  candid, 
merciful  and  kind  ;  taking  care  of  their  bodies  and  their 
souls,  their  maintenance  and  their  carriage,  and  all  that 
concerns  them  as  their  benign  patron,  and  their  faithful 
friend ;  and  treating  them  with  all  due  regard,  as  my 
brethren  and  fellow-servants,  and  my  equals  in  the  wor- 
ship of  God,  with  whom  is  no  respect  of  persons.  O 
give  me,  Lord,  an  understanding  heart  and  prudent  con- 
duct, and  such  a  spirit  of  government,  that  I  may  go  in 
and  out  before  my  people  as  one  that  is  taught  of  God, 
and  commanding  nothing  but  in  the  Lord,  according  to 
thy  will,  and  for  the  advancement  of  thy  glory. 

O  bless  my  house,  Lord,  and  preserve  it  from  vice  and 
ungodliness,  and  from  all  disorders  and  dangers,  and 
make  it  a  nursery  of  virtue  and  piety,  and  all  that  is  ex- 
emplary, and  of  good  report.  Direct,  O  God,  and  help 
us  every  one  in  the  discharge  of  our  several  offices ;  that 
we  may  employ  ourselves  as  we  ought,  and  with  quiet- 
ness do  our  own  business;  never  forgetting,  but  above  all 
respecting  and  pursuing  the  #reat  work  of  the  Lord,  for 

20* 


234  FAMILY  RELIGION. 

which  thou  didst  send  us  into  the  world.  O  keep  us  all 
evermore  in  thy  fear  and  love;  safe  under  thy  tuition, 
and  upon  the  holy  way  to  thy  heavenly  kingdom ;  through 
thy  mercy  to  us  all.  in  our  common  Lord  and  Saviour 
Jesus  Christ.     .Amen. 

BEFORE  MEAT.  Jay. 

Let  thy  blessing,  Almighty  God,  descend  on  this  portion  of 
thy  bounty,  and  on  us,  thy  unworthy  servants,  through  Jesus 
Christ  our  Lord.    Amen. 

Or  thus . 

Almighty  God,  we  beseech  thee  to  pardon  our  sins,  to  bless 
the  refreshment  now  before  us,  to  our  use,  and  us  to  thy  ser- 
vice, through  Jesus  Christ.    Amen. 

Or  thus : 
Bounteous  God,  we  acknowledge  our  dependence  on  thee, 
and  our  unworthiness  of  thy  benefits.  We  pray  thee  to  for- 
give our  sins ;  to  bless  us  in  the  reception  of  this  food,  and 
enable  us  to  improve  the  strength  we  may  derive  from  it  to 
thy  glory,  for  Christ's  sake.    Amen. 

AFTER  MEAT.  Jay 

We  thank  thee,  our  heavenly  Father,  for  the  rich  provision 
thou  hast  made  for  our  temporal  and  eternal  welfare ;  espe- 
cially for  the  food  we  have  now  received.  May  thy  goodness 
lead  us  to  repentance,  and  thy  grace  prepare  us  for  heavenly 
entertainments,  through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord.    Amen. 

Or  thus  : 
We  praise  thee,  O  Lord,  for  the  provisions  of  thy  providence 
and  grace,  and  in  particular  for  this  renewed  token  of  thy 
favour.  May  we  feel  our  increased  obligations  to  be  thine, 
and  be  fitted  at  length,  to  eat  bread  in  thy  heavenly  kingdom, 
through  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ.    Amen. 

Or  thus: 
We  bless  thee,  O  Lord,  for  this  kind  refreshment.  Be 
pleased  to  continue  thy  favours,  and  feed  us  with  the  bread 
of  life.  Supply  the  wants  of  the  needy,  and  enable  us,  while 
we  live  on  thy  bounty,  to  live  to  thy  glory,  for  Christ's  sake. 
Amen. 


HYMNS 

ADAPTED  TO  FAMILY  WORSHIP 

SELECTED  FROM  VARIOUS  AUTHORS. 


MORNING  HYMNS. 


HYMN   1.    L.M. 

1  Begin  my  soul  the  morning  song ; 
Let  thankfulness  inspire  thy  tongue ; 
The  kindness  of  thy  God  proclaim, 
And  tell  the  wonders  of  his  name. 

2  Sing  how  his  hand  thy  life  defends, 
And  for  thy  guard  his  angel  sends ; 
In  grateful  praise  his  name  adore, 
When  fleeting  days  shall  be  no  more. 

3  Yes,  O  my  God  !  thy  glorious  name, 
My  soul  shall  through  the  day  proclaim 
I'll  bear  thy  kindness  on  my  heart, 
While  every  power  performs  its  part. 


HYMN   2.    CM. 

1  Lord  of  my  life,  O  may  thy  praise 

Employ  my  noblest  powers, 
Whose  goodness  lengthens  out  my  days, 
And  fills  the  circling  hours. 

2  Preserved  by  thy  almighty  arm, 

I  pass'd  the  shades  of  night, 
Serene,  and  safe -from  every  harm, 
And  see  returning  light. 

3  While  many  spent  the  night  in  sighs, 

And  restless  pains  and  woes ; 
In  gentle  sleep  I  closed  my  eyes, 
And  undisturbed  repose. 


236  FAMILY  RELIGION. 

4  When  sleep,  death's  semblance,  o'er  me  spread, 

And  I  unconscious  lay, 
Thy  watchful  care  was  round  my  bed, 
To  guard  my  feeble  clay. 

5  O  let  the  same  almighty  care 

My  waking  hours  attend ; 
From  every  danger,  every  snare, 
My  heedless  steps  defend. 

6  Smile  on  my  minutes  as  they  roll, 

And  guide  my  future  days ; 
And  let  thy  goodness  fill  my  soul 
With  gratitude  and  praise. 


HYMN  3.    L.  M. 

1  In  sleep's  serene  oblivion  laid, 

I  safely  pass'd  the  silent  night ; 
Again  I  see  the  breaking  shade, 
And  drink  again  the  morning  light. 

2  New-born,  I  bless  the  waking  hour, 

Once  more,  with  awe,  rejoice  to  be ; 
My  conscious  soul  resumes  her  power, 
And  springs,  my  guardian  God,  to  Thee ! 

3  O  guide  me  through  the  various  maze, 

My  doubtful  feet  are  doomed  to  tread ; 
And  spread  thy  shield's  protecting  blaze 
Where  dangers  press  around  my  head. 

4  A  deeper  shade  shall  soon  impend, 

A  deeper  sleep  mine  eyes  oppress ; 

Yet  then  thy  strength  shall  still  defend, 

Thy  goodness  still  delight  to  bless. 

5  That  deeper  shade  shall  break  away, 

That  deeper  sleep  shall  leave  mine  eyes; 
Thy  light  shall  give  eternal  day — 
Thy  love,  the  rapture  of  the  skies ! 


FAMILY  HYMNS.  237 

HYMN   4.    8's,  8's,  6's. 

1  Once  more  my  eyes  behold  the  day, 
And  to  my  God,  my  soul  would  pay 

Its  tributary  lays : 
O  may  the  life  preserved  by  thee, 
With  all  its  powers  and  blessings,  be 

Devoted  to  thy  praise. 

2  Beneath  the  shadow  of  thy  wings, 
Israel's  great  keeper,  King  of  kings, 

My  weary  head  found  rest ; 
No  dire  alarms,  or  racking  pains, 
Devouring  flames,  or  galling  chains, 

Disturb  my  peaceful  breast. 

3  How  many,  since  I  laid  me  down, 
Have  launch'd  into  a  world  unknown, 

To  meet  a  dreadful  doom ! 
While  some  on  watery  billows  toss'd, 
Or  wand'ring  on  an  unknown  coast, 

Have  sigh'd  in  vain  for  home. 

4  But,  I  am  spared  to  see  thy  face, 
A  monument  of  saving  grace, 

And  live  to  praise  thy  name ; 
Still  be  thou  near,  my  gracious  Lord, 
To  keep  and  guide ; — and  by  thy  word, 

Peace,  to  my  soul  proclaim. 

5  Let  me  enjoy  thy  presence  here, 
In  every  storm  my  heart  to  cheer, 

Till  thou  shalt  bid  me  rise, 
Where  sin  and  sorrow  never  come, 
Till  at  my  blest  eternal  home, 

I  wake  in  sweet  surprise. 


HYMN    5.    CM. 

1  Once  more,  my  soul,  the  rising  day, 
Salutes  thy  waking  eyes, 
Once  more,  my  voice,  thy  tribute  pay 
To  him  that  rules  the  skies. 


238  FAMILY  RELIGION. 

2  Night  unto  night  his  name  repeats, 

The  day  renews  the  sound, 
Wide  as  the  heaven  on  which  he  sits 
To  turn  the  seasons  round. 

3  'T  is  he  supports  my  mortal  frame, 

My  tongue  shall  speak  his  praise ; 
My  sins  would  rouse  his  wrath  to  flame 
And  yet  his  wrath  delays. 

4  A  thousand  wretched  souls  are  fled 

Since  the  last  setting  sun, 
And  yet  thou  length'nest  out  my  thread, 
And  yet  my  moments  run. 

5  Dear  Lord,  let  all  my  hours  be  thine, 

Whilst  I  enjoy  the  light, 
Then  shall  my  sun  in  smiles  decline, 
And  bring  a  pleasant  night. 


HYMN  6.     TV 

1  Now  the  shades  of  night  are  gone ; 
Now  the  morning  light  is  come ; 
Lord,  may  I  be  thine  to-day — 
Drive  the  shades  of  sin  away. 

2  Fill  my  soul  with  Heavenly  light, 
Banish  doubt,  and  cleanse  my  sight ; 
In  thy  service,  Lord,  to-day, 

Help  me  labour,  help  me  pray. 

3  Keep  my  haughty  passions  bound — 
Save  me  from  my  foes  around ; 
Going  out  and  coming  in, 

Keep  me  safe  from  every  sin. 

4  When  my  work  of  life  is  past, 
Oh !  receive  me  then  at  last ! 
Night  of  sin  will  be  no  more, 
When  I  reach  the  heavenly  shore. 


FAMILY  HYMNS.  239 


HYMN    7.    CM. 


1  Thou,  gracious  Lord,  art  my  defence; 

On  thee  my  hopes  rely ; 
Thou  art  my  glory,  and  shalt  yet 
Lift  up  my  head  on  high. 

2  Guarded  by  him,  I  laid  me  down, 

My  sweet  repose  to  take ; 
For  I  through  him  securely  sleep, 
Through  him  in  safety  wake. 

3  Salvation  to  the  Lord  belongs; 

He  only  can  defend: 
His  blessings  he  extends  to  all, 
That  on  his  power  depend. 


HYxMN  8.    7's. 

1  Thou,  that  dost  my  life  prolong, 
Kindly  aid  my  morning  song ; 
Thankful  from  my  couch  I  rise, 
To  the  God  that  rules  the  skies. 

2  Thou  didst  hear  my  evening  cry  ; 
Thy  preserving  hand  was  nigh  ; 
Peaceful  slumbers  thou  hast  shed, 
Grateful  to  my  weary  head. 

3  Thou  hast  kept  me  through  the  night, 
'T  was  thy  hand  restored  the  light : 
Lord,  thy  mercies  still  are  new, 
Plenteous  as  the  morning  dew. 

4  Still  my  feet  are  prone  to  stray ; 
Oh  !  preserve  me  through  the  day 
Dangers  everywhere  abound ; 
Sins  and  snares  beset  me  round. 

5  Gently  with  the  dawning  ray, 
On  my  soul  thy  beams  display  ; 
Sweeter  than  the  smiling  morn, 
Let  thy  cheering  light  return. 


240  FAMILY  RELIGION. 

HYMN    9.     CM. 

1  My  God !  who  makes  the  sun  to  know 

His  proper  hour  to  rise, 
And,  to  give  light  to  all  below, 
Doth  send  him  round  the  skies. 

2  When  from  the  chambers  of  the  east, 

His  morning  race  begins, 
He  never  tires,  nor  stops  to  rest, 
But  round  the  world  he  shines. 

3  So,  like  the  sun,  may  I  fulfil 

The  business  of  the  day; 
Begin  my  work  betimes,  and  still 
March  on  my  Heavenly  way. 

4  Give  me,  O  Lord,  thy  early  grace, 

Nor  let  my  soul  complain, 
That  the  young  morning  of  my  days 
Hath  all  been  spent  in  vain. 


HYMN   10.    To. 

1  Christ,  whose  glory  fills  the  skies ; 
Christ,  the  true  and  only  light ; 
Sun  of  righteousness  arise ; 
Triumph  o'er  the  shades  of  night ; 
Day  Spring  from  on  high  appear ; 
Day  Star  in  my  heart  appear. 

2  Dark  and  cheerless  is  the  morn, 
Unaccompanied  by  thee ; 
Joyless  is  the  day's  return, 

Till  thy  mercy's  beams  I  see ; 
Till  thy  inward  light  impart, 
Glad  my  eyes  and  warm  my  heart. 

3  Visit  thou  this  soul  of  mine; 
Pierce  the  gloom  of  sin  and  grief, 
Fill  me,  radiancy  divine ; 
Scatter  all  my  unbelief; 

More  and  more  thyself  display ; 
Shining  to  the  perfect  day. 


FAMILY  HYMNS.  241 


HYMN    11.    CM. 


1  The  rising  morn  can  not  ensure 

That  we  shall  end  the  day ; 
For  death  stands  ready  at  the  door, 
To  call  our  lives  away. 

2  Our  life  is  forfeited  by  sin 

To  God's  most  righteous  law : 
We  own  thy  grace,  immortal  king, 
In  every  breath  we  draw. 


HYMN   12.     S.  M. 

1  See  how  the  mountain  sun 

Pursues  his  shining  way ; 
And  wide  proclaims  his  Maker's  prafce, 
With  every  bright'ning  ray. 

2  Thus  would  my  rising  soul 

Its  Heavenly  Parent  sing; 
And  to  its  great  Original 
The  humble  tribute  bring. 

3  Serene,  I  laid  me  down 

Beneath  his  guardian  care : 
I  slept,  and  I  awoke,  and  found 
My  kind  preserver  near. 

4  Thus  does  thine  arm  support 

This  weak  defenceless  frame ; 
But  whence  these  favours,  Lord,  to  me, 
All  worthless  as  I  am  1 

5  O  !  how  shall  I  repay 

The  bounties  of  my  God  1 

This  feeble  spirit  pants  beneath 

The  pleasing  painful  load. 

6  Dear  Saviour,  to  thy  cross 

I  bring  my  sacrifice  ; 
Cleansed  by  thy  blood,  it  shall  ascend 
With  fragrance  to  the  skies. 
21 


242  FAMILY  RELIGION. 

7  My  life  I  would  anew 

Devote,  O  Lord,  to  thee ; 
And  in  thy  service  I  would  spend 
A  long  eternity. 


HYMN    13.    L.  M. 

1  Arise  our  souls  !  with  rapture  rise ! 

And  fill'd  with  love  and  fear  adore 
The  awful  Sov'reign  of  the  skies, 
Whose  mercy  lends  us  one  day  more. 

2  And  may  this  day,  indulgent  power 

Not  idly  pass,  nor  fruitless  be ; 
But  may  each  swiftly  flying  hour 
Still  nearer  bring  our  souls  to  thee  ! 

3  But  can  it  be  1     That  power  Divine 

Is  throned  in  light's  unbounded  blaze ; 
And  countless  worlds  and  angels  join 
To  swell  the  glorious  song  of  praise : 

4  And  will  he  deign  to  lend  an  ear, 

When  we,  poor,  sinful  mortals,  pray  ! 
Yes,  boundless  goodness  !  he  will  hear, 
Nor  cast  the  meanest  wretch  away. 

5  Then  let  us  serve  thee  all  our  days, 

And  may  our  zeal  with  years  increase  ; 
For  pleasant,  Lord,  are  all  thy  ways, 
And  all  thy  paths  are  paths  of  peace. 


HYMN    14.     L.  M. 

1  Thy  glory,  Lord,  the  heavens  display  ; 

Thy  work  the  firmament  declares : 

The  circling  change  of  night  and  day 

The  message  of  thy  wisdom  bears. 

2  That  message  needs  nor  voice  nor  sound, 

To  spread  its  tale  of  power  abroad: 
Light's  silent  march  alone,  around 
Proclaims  to  all  the  worlds  their  God. 


FAMILY  HYMNS.  243 

3  High  'mid  those  worlds,  the  giant  force 

Of  yon  bright  sun,  thy  might  obeys : 
Thy  word  impels  his  morning  course, 
Thy  word  recalls  his  evening  rays. 

4  Forth  from  the  chambers  of  the  night 

He  rushes  to  his  glad  career, 
And  spreads  through  all  the  paths  of  light 
The  splendours  of  his  welcome  year. 

5  Thus  rising  in  a  brighter  morn, 

In  cloudless  majesty  sublime, 
The  sun  of  Righteousness  shall  dawn 
Thro'  heaven,  thro'  earth,  thro'  space  and  time ; 

6  And  scatt'ring  broad  the  piercing  gleam, 

O'er  worlds,  around,  above,  beneath, 
The  Christ  of  God,  the  living  beam 
Shall  brighten  all  the  dooms  0f  death. 


EVENING  HYMNS. 


HYMN   15.    CM. 

1  Dread  Sov'reign,  let  my  evening  song, 

Like  holy  incense,  rise ; 
Assist  the  offerings  of  my  tongue 
To  reach  the  lofty  skies. 

2  Through  all  the  dangers  of  the  day 

Thy  hand  was  still  my  guard, 
And  still  to  drive  my  wants  away 
Thy  mercy  stood  prepared. 

3  Perpetual  blessings  from  above 

Encompass  me  around ; 
But,  O  how  few  returns  of  love 
Hath  my  Creator  found ! 

4  What  have  I  done  for  him  that  died 

To  save  my  wretched  soul  ] 
How  are  my  follies  multiplied, 
Fast  as  my  minutes  roll ! 


244  FAMILY  RELIGION. 

5  Lord,  with  this  guilty  heart  of  mine 
To  thy  dear  cross  I  flee, 
And  to  thy  grace  my  soul  resign, 
To  be  renewed  by  thee. 


HYMN   16.    CM. 

1  Father,  by  saints  on  earth  adored, 

By  saints  beyond  the  skies, 
Accept,  through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord, 
Our  evening  sacrifice. 

2  If  kept  to-day  from  wilful  sin, 

We  magnify  thy  grace ; 
Thou  hast  our  kind  preserver  been, 
And  thine  be  all  the  praise. 

3  We  live  to  testify  the  grace, 

Which  sure  salvation  brings ; 
And  sink  to-night,  in  thine  embrace, 
And  rest  beneath  thy  wings. 

4  But  whether,  Lord,  we  wake  or  sleep, 

The  charge  of  love  divine, 
We  trust  thy  providence  to  keep 
Our  souls  forever  thine. 


HYMN  17.    L.  M. 

1  Glory  to  thee,  my  God,  this  night, 
For  all  the  blessings  of  the  light : 
Keep  me,  oh  keep  me,  King  of  kings, 
Beneath  thine  own  Almighty  wings. 

2  Forgive  me,  Lord,  for  thy  dear  Son, 
The  ill  that  I  this  day  have  done : 
That  with  the  world,  myself,  and  thee, 
I,  ere  I  sleep,  at  peace  may  be. 

3  Teach  me  to  live,  that  I  may  dread 
The  grave  as  little  as  my  bed ; 
Teach  me  to  die,  that  so  I  may 
Rise  glorious  at  the  judgment  day. 


FAMILY  HYMNS.  245 

4  Let  my  blest  guardian,  while  I  sleep, 
His  watchful  station  near  me  keep ; 
My  heart  with  love  celestial  fill, 

And  guard  me  from  th'  approach  of  ill. 

5  Lord,  let  my  soul  forever  share 
The  bliss  of  thy  paternal  care : 

'Tis  Heaven  on  earth,  'tis  Heaven  above, 
To  see  thy  face,  and  sing  thy  love ! 


HYMN   18.    CM. 

1  Great  God,  to  thee  my  evening  song 

With  humble  gratitude  I  raise  : 

0  let  thy  mercy  tune  my  tongue, 
And  fill  my  heart  with  lively  praise, 

2  My  days  unclouded,  as  they  pass, 

And  ev'ry  gently  rolling  hour, 
Are  monuments  of  wondrous  grace, 
And  witness  to  thy  love  and  power. 

3  My  numerous  wants  are  known  to  thee, 

Ere  my  slow  wishes  can  arise; 
Thy  goodness,  measureless  and  free, 
Is  ready  still  with  full  supplies. 

4  Seal  my  forgiveness  in  the  blood 

Of  Jesus ;  his  dear  name  alone 

1  plead  for  pardon,  gracious  God, 

And  kind  acceptance  at  thy  throne. 

5  Let  this  blest  hope  my  eye-lids  close, 

With  sleep  refresh  my  feeble  frame ; 
Safe  in  thy  care  may  I  repose, 
And  wake  with  praises  to  thy  name. 


HYMN  19.    C.  M. 

1  Indulgent  Father,  by  whose  care, 
I've  passed  another  day, 
Let  me  this  night  thy  mercy  share, 
And  teach  me  how  to  pray. 
21* 


246  FAMILY  RELIGION. 

2  Show  me  my  sins,  and  how  to  moan 

My  guilt  before  thy  face ; 
Direct  me,  Lord,  to  Christ  alone, 
And  save  me  by  thy  grace. 

3  Speak  to  my  conscience,  speak  thou  peace, 

Through  his  atoning  blood ; 
And  grant  me,  Lord,  a  full  release 
From  sin's  oppressive  load. 

4  Show  me  my  wants,  and  let  me  crave 

Nothing  but  what  is  right ; 
Help  me,  by  faith,  on  thee  to  live, 
-     Then  change  my  faith  to  sight. 

5  Let  each  returning  night  declare 

The  tokens  of  thy  love ; 
And  every  hour  thy  grace  prepare 
My  soul  for  joys  above. 

6  And  when  on  earth  I  close  mine  eyes, 

To  sleep  in  death's  embrace, 
Let  me  to  Heaven  and  glory  rise, 
T'  enjoy  thy  smiling  face. 


HYMN  20.    L.M. 

1  The  night  shall  hear  us  raise  our  songs, 
And  in  her  silent  courts,  our  tongues 
Shall  pour  the  social,  grateful  lay, 

For  all  the  mercies  of  the  day. 

2  Nor  will  our  God  disdain  to  hear, 

The  sighs  we  breathe — the  fervent  prayer 
When,  sinking  to  our  nightly  rest, 
We  seek  the  pillow  of  his  breast. 

3  And  when  the  blushing  morn  shall  rise, 
To  tinge  with  gold  the  eastern  skies ; 
With  strength  renewed,  our  thankful  lay 
Shall  hail  the  new-born  beams  of  day. 


FAMILY  HYMNS.  247 

HYMN  21.    CM. 

1  Now,  from  the  altar  of  our  hearts, 

Let  flames  of  incense  rise, 
Assist  us,  Lord,  to  offer  up 
Our  evening  sacrifice. 

2  Minutes  and  mercies  multiplied. 

Have  made  up  all  this  day; 
Minutes  came  quick,  but  mercies  were 
More  swift  and  free  than  they. 

3  New  time,  new  favour,  and  new  joys, 

Do  a  new  song  require  ; 
Till  we  shall  praise  thee  as  we  would, 
Accept  our  heart's  desire. 


HYMN  22.    CM. 

1  O  Lord,  another  day  is  flown, 

And  we,  a  lonely  band, 
Are  met  once  more  before  thy  throne, 
To  bless  thy  fostering  hand. 

2  And  wilt  thou  bend  a  listening  ear, 

To  praise  so  low  as  ours  1 
Thou  wilt !  for  thou  dost  love  to  hear 
The  song  which  meekness  pours. 

3  And  Jesus,  thou  thy  smiles  wilt  deign, 

As  we  before  thee  pray ; 
For  thou  didst  bless  the  infant  train, 
And  we  are  less  than  they. 

4  And  thou  wilt  turn  our  wand' ring  feet 
,    And  thou  wilt  bless  our  way ; 

Till  worlds  shall  fade,  and  faith  shall  greet 
The  dawn  of  lasting  day. 


HYMN  23.    8's,  7's 

1  Saviour,  breathe  an  evening  blessing, 
Ere  repose  our  spirits  seal : 
Sin  and  want  we  come  confessing, 
Thou  canst  save,  and  thou  canst  heal. 


248  FAMILY  RELIGION. 

Though  destruction  walk  around  us, 
Though  the  arrows  past  us  fly, 

Angel-guards  from  thee  surround  us, 
We  are  safe  if  thou  art  nigh. 

2  Though  the  night  be  dark  and  dreary, 

Darkness  cannot  hide  from  thee ; 
Thou  art  He  who,  never  weary, 

Watchest  where  thy  people  be ; 
Should  swift  death  this  night  o'ertake  us, 

And  our  couch  become  our  tomb ; 
May  the  morn  in  heaven  awake  us, 

Clad  in  light  and  deathless  bloom. 


HYMN  24.    P.  M, 

1  Through  the  day  thy  love  has  spared  us 

Now  we  lay  us  down  to  rest : 
Through  the  silent  watches  guard  us, 

Let  no  foe  our  peace  molest ; 
Jesus,  thou  our  guardian  be ; 
Sweet  it  is  to  trust  in  thee. 

2  Pilgrims  here  on  earth,  and  strangers, 

Dwelling  in  the  midst  of  foes, 
Us  and  ours  preserve  from  dangers  ; 

In  thine  arms  may  we  repose ; 
And  when  life's  short  day  is  past, 
Rest  with  thee  in  heaven  at  last. 


HYMN  25.    C.  M. 

1  Lord  thou  wilt  hear  me  when  I  pray ; 

I  am  for  ever  thine ; 
I  fear  before  thee  all  the  day, 
Nor  would  I  dare  to  sin. 

2  And  while  I  rest  my  weary  head, 

From  cares  and  business  free, 

'T  is  sweet  conversing  on  my  bed 

With  my  own  heart  and  thee. 


FAMILY  HYMNS.  249 

3  I  pay  this  evening  sacrifice; 

And  when  my  work  is  done, 
Great  God,  my  faith  and  hope  relies 
Upon  thy  grace  alone. 

4  Thus  with  my  thoughts  composed  to  peace, 

I  '11  give  my  eyes  to  sleep ; 
Thy  hand  in  safety  keeps  my  days, 
And  will  my  slumbers  keep. 


HYMN  26.    L.  M. 

1  Thus  far  the  Lord  has  led  me  on, 

Thus  far  his  power  prolongs  my  days, 
And  every  evening  shall  make  known 
Some  fresh  memorial  of  his  grace. 

2  Much  of  my  time  has  run  to  waste, 

And  I,  perhaps,  am  near  my  home ; 
But  he  forgives  my  follies  past, 
And  gives  me  strength  for  days  to  come. 

3  I  lay  my  body  down  to  sleep, 

Peace  is  the  pillow  for  my  head  ; 
While  well-appointed  angels  keep 
Their  watchful  stations  round  my  bed. 

4  In  vain  the  sons  of  earth  or  hell 

Tell  me  a  thousand  frightful  things; 
My  God  in  safety  makes  me  dwell 
Beneath  the  shadow  of  his  wings. 

5  Faith  in  his  name  forbids  my  fear  : 

Oh,  may  thy  presence  ne'er  depart ! 
And  in  the  morning  make  me  hear 
The  love  and  kindness  of  thy  heart. 

6  Thus  when  the  night  of  death  shall  come, 

My  flesh  shall  rest  beneath  the  ground, 
And  wait  thy  voice  to  rouse  my  tomb, 
With  sweet  salvation  in  the  sound. 


250  FAMILY  RELIGION. 

HYMN  27.    S.  M. 

1  Another  day  is  past 

The  hours  for  ever  fled, 
And  time  is  bearing  me  in  haste, 
To  mingle  with  the  dead. 

2  Perhaps  my  closing  eyes 

No  more  may  hail  the  light, 
Seal'd  up  before  the  morning  rise, 
In  everlasting  night. 

3  Jesus  !  and  art  thou  mine] 

O  let  thy  heavenly  voice 
Confirm  my  hope  with  power  divine, 
And  bid  my  soul  rejoice. 

4  Then  shall  my  closing  eyes, 

Contented,  sink  to  rest ; 
For  if  to-night  this  body  dies, 
My  spirit  shall  be  blest. 


HYMN   28.    S.  M. 

1  The  day  is  past  and  gone, 

The  evening  shades  appear ; 
Oh,  may  I  ever  keep  in  mind, 
The  night  of  death  draws  near. 

2  I  lay  my  garments  by, 

Upon  my  bed  to  rest, 
So  death  will  soon  remove  me  hence, 
And  leave  my  soul  undrest. 

3  Lord,  keep  me  safe  this  night, 

Secure  from  all  my  fears  ; 
May  angels  guard  me  while  I  sleep. 
Till  morning  light  appears. 

4  And  when  I  early  rise 

To  view  th'  unwearied  sun, 
May  I  set  out  to  win  the  prize, 
And  after  glory  run. 


FAMILY  HYMNS.  251 


5  That  when  my  days  are  past, 
And  I  from  time  remove, 
Lord,  I  may  in  thy  bosom  rest, 
The  bosom  of  thy  love. 


HYMN  29.     8's. 

1  Inspirer  and  hearer  of  prayer, 

Before  whom  a  sinner  may  bend 
My  ali  to  thy  covenant  care, 
I  sleeping  or  waking  commend. 

2  If  thou  art  my  shield  and  my  sun, 

The  night  is  no  darkness  to  me ; 
And  fast  as  my  moments  roll  on, 
They  bring  me  but  nearer  to  thee. 

3  From  evil  secure,  and  its  dread, 

I  rest,  if  my  Saviour  be  nigh ; 
And  songs,  his  kind  presence  indeed, 
Shall  in  the  night  season  supply. 

4  He  smiles,  and  my  comforts  abound  ; 

His  grace  as  the  dew  shall  descend ; 
And  walls  of  salvation  surround 
The  soul  he  delights  to  defend. 


HYMN   30.    C.  M. 

1  Indulgent  God,  whose  bounteous  care 

O'er  all  thy  works  is  shown, 
Oh,  let  my  grateful  praise  and  prayer 
Arise  before  thy  throne. 

2  What  mercies  has  this  day  bestowed  ! 

How  largely  hast  thou  blest ! 
My  cup  with  plenty  overflowed, 
With  cheerfulness  my  breast. 

3  Now  may  soft  slumber  close  my  eyes, 

From  pain  and  sickness  free ; 
And  let  my  waking  thoughts  arise, 
To  meditate  on  thee. 


252  FAMILY  RELIGION. 

4  Thus  bless  each  future  day  and  night, 
Till  life's  vain  scene  is  o'er ; 
And  then  to  realms  of  endless  light 
Oh,  let  my  spirit  soar. 


HYMN  31.    7's. 

1  Softly  now  the  light  of  day 
Fades  upon  my  sight  away ; 
Free  from  care — from  labour  free, 
Lord,  I  would  commune  with  thee. 

2  Soon  for  me  the  light  of  day 
Shall  for  ever  pass  away : 
Then  from  sin  and  sorrow  free, 
Take  me,  Lord,  to  dwell  with  thee. 


HYMN  32.    CM. 

1  I  love  to  steal  awhile  away, 

From  every  cumb'ring  care, 
And  spend  the  hours  of  setting  day, 
In  humble,  grateful  prayer. 

2  I  love  in  solitude  to  shed 

The  penitential  tear, 
And  all  His  promises  to  plead, 
Where  none  but  God  can  hear. 

3  I  love  to  think  on  mercies  past, 

And  future  good  implore, 
And  all  my  cares  and  sorrows  cast 
On  him  whom  I  adore. 

4  I  love  by  faith  to  take  a  view 

Of  brighter  scenes  in  Heaven ; 
The  prospect  doth  my  strength  renew, 
While  here  by  tempests  driven. 

5  Thus,  when  life's  toilsome  day  is  o'er, 

May  its  departing  ray 
Be  calm  as  this  impressive  hour, 
And  lead  to  endless  day. 


FAMILY  PIYMNS.  253 

MORNING  OR  EVENING  HYMNS. 


HYMN  33.    L.  M. 


1  My  God,  how  endless  is  thy  love ! 

Thy  gifts  are  every  evening  new ; 
And  morning  mercies  from  above, 
Gently  distil  like  early  dew. 

2  Thou  spread'st  the  curtains  of  the  night, 

Great  Guardian  of  my  sleeping  hours ; 
Thy  sov'reign  word  restores  the  light, 
And  quickens  all  my  drowsy  powers. 

3  I  yield  my  powers  to  thy  command, . 

To  thee  I  consecrate  my  days ; 
Perpetual  blessings  from  thine  hand 
Demand  perpetual  songs  of  praise. 


HYMN  34.    L.  M. 

1  My  God,  accept  my  early  vows, 

Like  morning  incense  in  thine  house, 
And  let  my  nightly  worship  rise 
Sweet  as  the  evening  sacrifice. 

2  Watch  o'er  my  lips,  and  guard  them,  Lord, 

From  ev'ry  rash  and  heedless  word  ; 
Nor  let  my  feet  incline  to  tread 
The  guilty  path  where  sinners  lead. 

3  O  may  the  righteous,  when  I  stray 

Smite  and  reprove  my  wand'ring  way ! 
Their  gentle  words,  like  ointment  shed, 
Shall  never  bruise,  but  cheer  my  head. 

4  When  I  behold  them  prest  with  grief, 

I  '11  cry  to  Heaven  for  their  relief; 
And  by  my  warm  petitions  prove 
How  much  I  prize  their  faithful  love. 
22 


254  FAMILY  RELIGION. 

HYMN  35.    CM. 

1  Indulgent  Father,  how  divine, 

How  bright  thy  beauties  are  ! 
Through  nature's  ample  round  they  shine, 
Thy  goodness  to  declare. 

2  But  in  thy  nobler  work  of  grace, 

What  brighter  mercy  smiles 
In  our  benign  Redeemer's  face, 
And  every  fear  beguiles ! 

3  Such  wonders,  Lord,  while  we  survey, 

To  thee  our  thanks  shall  rise, 
When  morning  ushers  in  the  day, 
Or  evening  veils  the  skies. 

4  When  glimm'ring  life  resigns  its  flame, 

Thy  praise  shall  tune  our  breath ; 
The  dear  memorials  of  thy  name 
Shall  gild  the  shades  of  death. 

5  But  oh,  how  sweet  our  song  shall  rise, 

When  freed  from  feeble  clay ; 
When  all  thy  glories  meet  our  eyes 
In  one  eternal  day ! 


HYMN  36.     L.  M.    6  lines. 

'For  whether  we  Jive,  we  live  unto  the  Lord;  and  whether  we  die,  we  die 
unto  the  Lord." — Rom.  xiv.  8. 

1  When  streaming  from  the  eastern  skies, 
The  morning  light  salutes  our  eyes, 

O  sun  of  righteousness  divine, 
On  us  with  beams  of  mercy  shine ; 
Chase  the  dark  clouds  of  guilt  away, 
And  turn  our  darkness  into  day. 

2  When  to  our  great  and  glorious  king, 
Our  morning  sacrifice  we  bring ; 

And,  mourning  o'er  our  guilt  and  shame, 
Ask  mercy  in  the  Saviour's  name : 
Then,  Jesus,  sprinkle  with  thy  blood, 
And  be  our  Advocate  with  God. 


FAMILY  HYMNS.  255 

3  As  every  day  thy  mercy  spares, 
Will  bring  its  trials  and  its  cares, 
O  Saviour,  till  our  lives  shall  end, 
Be  thou  our  counsellor  and  friend; 
Teach  us  thy  precepts,  all  divine, 
And  be  thy  great  example  ours. 

4  When  each  day's  scenes  and  labours  close, 
And  wearied  nature  seeks  repose, 

With  pard'ning  mercy  richly  blest, 
Protect  us,  Saviour,  while  we  rest, 
And  as  each  morning  sun  shall  rise, 
O  lead  us  onward  to  the  skies. 

5  And  at  our  life's  last  setting  sun, 
Our  conflicts  o'er,  our  labours  done ; 
Jesus,  thine  heavenly  radiance  shed, 
To  cheer  and  bless  our  dying  bed, 

And  from  death's  gloom  our  spirits  raise, 
"  To  see  thy  face,  and  sing  thy  praise." 


SABBATH  MORNING  AND  EVENING  HYMNS. 


HYMN  37.    L.M. 

1  Come  dearest  Lord  and  bless  this  day, 
Come  bear  our  thoughts  from  earth  away ; 
Now  let  our  noblest  passions  rise 

With  ardour  to  their  native  skies. 

2  Come,  Holy  Spirit,  all  divine, 
With  rays  of  light  upon  us  shine ; 
And  let  our  waiting  souls  be  blest, 
On  this  sweet  day  of  sacred  rest. 

3  Then,  when  our  Sabbaths  here  are  o'er, 
And  we  arrive  on  Canaan's  shore, 
With  all  the  ransomed,  we  shall  spend 
A  Sabbath  which  shall  never  end. 


256  FAMILY  RELIGION. 

HYMN  S8.    L.M. 

1  Again  our  weekly  labours  end, 
And  we  the  Sabbath's  call  attend ; 
Let  us  improve  the  sacred  rest, 

And  bless  the  day  which  God  hath  blest. 

2  This  day  let  prayers  and  praises  rise, 
To  God  a  grateful  sacrifice ! 

Thy  peace,  O  Lord,  on  us  bestow ! 
Which  none,  but  they  who  feel  it,  know. 

3  That  peace  of  thine  within  the  breast 
Is  a  rich  foretaste  of  a  rest 

Which  for  thy  Church,  O  God,  remains 
A  rest  from  sin  and  guilt  and  pains. 

4  In  holy  duties  let  this  day, 
Heaven's  type  and  emblem,  pass  away : 
Each  Sabbath,  Lord,  we  thus  would  spend, 
In  hope  of  that  which  ne'er  shall  end. 


HYMN    39.    CM. 

1  Come,  let  us  join  with  sweet  accord 

In  hymns  around  the  throne ; 
This  is  the  day  our  rising  Lord 
Hath  made  and  call'd  his  own. 

2  This  is  the  day  which  God  hath  blest, 

The  brightest  of  the  seven ; 

Type  of  that  everlasting  rest, 

The  saint3  enjoy  in  heaven. 


HYMN   40.     L.M.     6  lines. 

1  Great  God  !  this  sacred  day  of  thine, 
Demands  the  soul's  collected  powers ; 
Gladly  we  now  to  thee  resign 

These  solemn,  these  devoted  hours  ! 
O  may  our  souls  adoring  own 
The  grace  that  calls  us  to  thy  throne  ! 


FAMILY  HYMNS.  257 

2  Hence,  ye  vain  cares  and  trifles,  fly ; 

Where  God  resides  appear  no  more ; 
Redeemer !  thine  all-piercing  eye 

Can  every  secret  thought  explore  : 
O  may  thy  grace  our  bosoms  move, 
And  fix  our  thoughts  on  things  above ! 

3  Thy  Spirit's  powerful  aid  impart, 

And  bid  thy  word,  with  life  divine, 
Engage  the  ear,  and  warm  the  heart, 

Then  shall  the  day  indeed  be  thine ; 
Then  shall  our  souls  adoring  own 
The  grace  that  calls  us  to  thy  throne. 


HYMN  41.    C.  M. 

1  Lord,  in  the  morning  thou  shalt  hear 

My  voice  ascending  high ! 
To  thee  will  I  direct  my  prayer, 
To  thee  lift  up  mine  eye. 

2  Up  to  the  hills  where  Christ  is  gone 

To  plead  for  all  his  saints, 
Presenting  at  his  Father's  throne 
Our  songs  and  our  complaints. 

3  Thou  art  a  God  before  whose  sight 

The  wicked  shall  not  stand; 

Sinners  shall  ne'er  be  thy  delight, 

Nor  dwell  at  thy  right  hand. 

4  But  to  thy  house  will  I  resort 

To  taste  thy  mercies  there ; 
I  will  frequent  thy  holy  court, 
And  worship  in  thy  fear. 

5  Oh,  may  thy  Spirit  guide  my  feet 

In  ways  of  righteousness ! 
Make  every  path  of  duty  straight, 
And  plain  before  my  face. 

22* 


258  FAMILY  RELIGION. 

HYMN  42.    P.M. 

1  Awake,  our  drowsy  souls, 

Shake  off  each  slothful  band ; 
The  wonders  of  this  day 
Our  noblest  songs  demand. 
Auspicious  morn ! 

Thy  blissful  rays 
Bright  seraphs  hail 
In  songs  of  praise. 

2  At  thy  approaching  dawn, 

Reluctant  death  resigned 
The  glorious  Prince  of  life, 
Its  dark  domains  confined : 
Th'  angelic  host 

Around  him  bends, 
And  'mid  their  shouts 
The  Lord  ascends. 

3  All  hail,  triumphant  Lord, 

Heaven  with  hosannas  rings ; 
While  earth  in  humbler  strains 
Thy  praise  responsive  sings ; 
Worthy  art  thou, 

Who  once  wast  slain, 
Through  endless  years 
To  live  d.nd  reign. 

4  Gird  on,  great  God,  thy  sword 

Ascend  thy  conquering  car, 
While  justice,  truth,  and  love 
Maintain  the  glorious  war : 
Victorious  thou, 

Thy  foes  shalt  tread, 
And  sin  and  Hell 
In  triumph  lead. 

5  Make  bare  thy  potent  arm, 

And  wing  th'  unerring  dart 
With  salutary  pangs, 
To  each  rebellious  heart. 


FAMILY  HYMNS.  259 


Then  dying  souls 
For  life  shall  sue, 

Numerous  as  drops 
Of  morning  dew. 


HYMN  43.    C.  M. 

1  This  is  the  day  the  Lord  hath  made, 

Let  young  and  old  rejoice : 
To  him  be  vows  and  homage  paid, 
Whose  service  is  our  choice. 

2  This  is  the  homage  he  requires, — 

The  voice  of  praise  and  prayer, 
The  soul's  affections,  hopes,  desires, 
Ourselves,  and  all  we  are. 

3  While  rich  and  poor  for  mercy  call, 

Propitious  from  the  skies, 
The  Lord,  the  Maker  of  them  all, 
Accepts  the  sacrifice. 

4  Well  pleased,  through  Jesus  Christ  his  Son, 

From  sin  he  grants  release, 
According  to  their  faith  't  is  done, 
He  bids  them  go  in  peace. 


HYMN  44.    P.M. 

1  Welcome,  delightful  morn ! 

Thou  day  of  sacred  rest ; 
I  hail  thy  kind  return ; 
Lord,  make  these  moments  blest. 
From  low  delights, 
And  mortal  toys, 
I  soar  to  reach 
Immortal  joys. 

2  Now  may  the  King  descend, 

And  fill  his  throne  of  grace ; 
Thy  sceptre,  Lord,  extend, 
While  saints  address  thy  face ; 


260  FAMILY  RELIGION. 

Let  sinners  feel 

Thy  quick'ning  word, 

And  learn  to  know 
And  fear  the  Lord. 

3  Descend,  celestial  Dove, 

With  all  thy  quick'ning  powers  j 
Disclose  a  Saviour's  love, 
And  bless  these  sacred  hours : 
Then  shall  my  soul 

New  life  obtain, 
Nor  Sabbaths  be 
Indulged  in  vain. 


HYMN  45.    C.  M. 

1  And  now  another  week  begins, 

This  day  we  call  the  Lord's ; 
This  day  he  rose,  who  bore  our  sins, 
For  so  his  word  records. 

2  Hark,  how  the  angels  sweetly  sing ! — 

Their  voices  fill  the  sky — 
They  hail  their  great  victorious  King, 
And  welcome  him  on  high. 

3  We  '11  catch  the  note  of  lofty  praise ; 

Their  joys  O  may  we  feel ; 
Our  thankful  song  with  them  we  '11  raise, 
And  emulate  their  zeal. 

4  Come,  then,  ye  saints,  and  grateful  sing 

Of  Christ,  our  risen  Lord; 
Of  Christ  the  everlasting  King, 
Of  Christ  th'  incarnate  Word. 

5  Hail,  mighty  Saviour,  thee  we  hail ! 

High  on  thy  throne  above ; 
Till  heart  and  flesh  together  fail, 
"We  '11  sing  thy  matchless  love. 


FAMILY  HYMNS.  201 

HYMN  46.    L.M. 

1  My  op'ning  eyes  with  rapture  see 

The  dawn  of  thy  returning  day ; 

My  thoughts,  O  God,  ascend  to  thee, 

While  thus  my  early  vows  I  pay. 

2  I  yield  my  heart  to  thee  alone, 

Nor  would  receive  another  guest ; 
Eternal  King  !  erect  thy  throne, 
And  reign  sole  monarch  in  my  breast. 

3  O  bid  this  trifling  world  retire, 

And  drive  each  carnal  thought  away; 
Nor  let  me  feel  one  vain  desire — 

One  sinful  thought  through  all  the  day. 

4  Then,  to  thy  courts  when  I  repair, 

My  soul  shall  rise  on  joyful  wing, 
The  wonders  of  thy  love  declare, 
And  join  the  strains  which  angels  sing 


HYMN  4T.    CM. 

1  Again  the  Lord  of  life  and  light 

Awakes  the  kindling  ray ; 
Dispels  the  darkness  of  the  night, 
And  pours  increasing  day. 

2  Oh  !  what  a  night  was  that,  which  wrapt 

A  sinful  world  in  gloom  ! 
O  what  a  sun  which  broke,  this  day, 
Triumphant  from  the  tomb  ! 

3  This  day  be  grateful  homage  paid, 

And  loud  hosannas  sung ; 
Let  gladness  dwell  in  every  heart, 
And  praise  on  every  tongue. 

4  Ten  thousand  thousand  lips  shall  join 

To  hail  this  welcome  morn, 
Which  scatters  blessings  from  its  wings, 
To  nations  yet  unborn. 


262  FAMILY  RELIGION. 

HYMN  48.     L.  M. 

Christ's  Death  and  Resurrection. 

1  Come  tune,  ye  saints,  your  noblest  strains, 

Your  dying,  rising  Lord  to  sing ; 
And  echo  to  the  heavenly  plains, 
The  triumphs  of  your  Saviour  King. 

2  In  songs  of  grateful  rapture,  tell, 

How  he  subdued  your  potent  foes ; 

Subdued  the  powers  of  death  and  hell, 

And  dying,  finished  all  your  woes. 

3  Then  to  his  glorious  throne  on  high 

Returned,  while  hymning  angels  round, 
Through  the  bright  arches  of  the  sky, 
The  God,  the  conquering  God  resound. 

4  Almighty  love,  victorious  power ! 

Not  angel-tongues  can  e'er  display 
The  wonders  of  that  dreadful  hour, 
The  joys  of  that  illustrious  day. 

5  Dear  Saviour,  let  thy  wondrous  grace 

Fill  every  heart  and  every  tongue, 
Till  the  full  glories  of  thy  face 
Inspire  a  sweeter  nobler  song. 


HYMN  49.    CM. 

1  Sweet  is  the  work,  my  God,  my  King, 
To  praise  thy  name,  give  thanks  and  sing ; 
To  show  thy  love  by  morning  light, 

And  talk  of  all  thy  truth  at  night. 

2  Sweet  is  the  day  of  sacred  rest, 

No  mortal  cares  shall  seize  my  breast ; 
O  may  my  heart  in  tune  be  found, 
Like  David's  harp  of  solemn  sound ! 

3  My  heart  shall  triumph  in  my  Lord, 
And  bless  his  works,  and  bless  his  word : 
Thy  works  of  grace,  how  bright  they  shine  ! 
How  deep  thy  counsels !  how  divine ! 


FAMILY  HYMNS.  263 

HYMN  50.    CM. 

Hosanna;  the  Lord's  day;  or,  Christ's  Resurrection  and  our 
salvation. 

1  This  is  the  day  the  Lord  hath  made, 

He  calls  the  hours  his  own : 
Let  heaven  rejoice ;  let  earth  be  glad, 
And  praise  surround  the  throne. 

2  To-day  he  rose  and  left  the  dead ; 

And  Satan's  empire  fell ; 
To-day  the  saints  his  triumphs  spread, 
And  all  his  wonders  tell. 

3  Hosanna  to  th'  anointed  King, 

To  David's  holy  Son; 
Help  us,  O  Lord,  descend  and  bring 
Salvation  from  thy  throne. 

4  Blest  be  the  Lord  who  comes  to  men 

With  messages  of  grace ; 
Who  comes  in  God  his  Father's  name, 
To  save  our  sinful  race. 

5  Hosanna  in  the  highest  strain 

The  church  on  earth  can  raise ; 
The  highest  heavens  in  which  he  reigns, 
Shall  give  him  nobler  praise. 


HYMN  51.    S.M. 

Hosanna  for  the  Lords  day;  or,  a  new  song  of  salvation  by 
Christ. 

1  See  what  a  living  stone 

The  builders  did  refuse ! 
Yet  God  hath  built  his  church  thereon 
In  spite  of  envious  Jews. 

2  The  scribe  and  angry  priest 

Reject  thine  only  Son ; 
Yet  on  this  rock  shall  Zion  rest, 
As  the  chief  Corner-stone 


264  FAMILY  RELIGION. 

3  The  work,  O  Lord,  is  thine, 

And  wondrous  in  our  eyes, 
This  day  declares  it  all  divine, 
This  day  did  Jesus  rise. 

4  This  is  the  glorious  day 

That  our  Redeemer  made; 
Let  us  rejoice,  and  sing,  and  pray ; 
Let  all  the  church  be  glad. 

5  Hosanna  to  the  King 

Of  David's  royal  blood ; 
Bless  him,  ye  saints,  he  comes  to  bring 
Salvation  from  your  God. 

6  We  bless  thy  holy  word, 

Which  all  his  grace  displays ; 
And  offer  on  thine  altar,  Lord, 
Our  sacrifice  of  praise. 


HYMN  52.    L.M. 

1  Another  six  days'  work  is  done, 
Another  Sabbath  is  begun  ; 
Return,  my  soul,  enjoy  thy  rest, 
Improve  the  day  thy  God  has  blessed. 

2  Come  bless  the  Lord,  whose  love  assigns 
So  sweet  a  rest  to  wearied  minds ; 
Provides  an  antepast  of  heaven, 

And  gives  this  day  the  food  of  seven. 

3  O  that  our  thoughts  and  thanks  may  rise 
As  grateful  incense  to  the  skies ; 

And  draw  from  heaven  that  sweet  repose, 
Which  none  but  he  who  feels  it,  knows. 

4  This  heavenly  calm,  within  the  breast, 
Is  the  dear  pledge  of  glorious  rest, 
Which  for  the  Church  of  God  remains, 
The  end  of  cares,  the  end  of  pains. 


FAMILY  HYMNS.  265 


In  holy  duties  let  the  day, 
In  holy  pleasures  pass  away ; 
How  sweet  a  Sabbath  thus  to  spend, 
In  hope  of  one  that  ne'er  shall  end ! 


HYMN  53.    S.  M. 

The  Lord's  day ;  or,  Delight  in  Ordinances. 

1  Welcome  sweet  day  of  rest, 

That  saw  the  Lord  arise, 
Welcome  to  this  reviving  breast 
And  these  rejoicing  eyes ! 

2  The  King  himself  comes  near, 

And  feasts  his  saints  to-day ; 
Here  we  may  sit,  and  see  him  here, 
And  love,  and  praise,  and  pray. 

3  One  day  amid  the  place 

Where  Christ  my  Lord  hath  been, 
Is  sweeter  than  ten  thousand  days 
Of  pleasurable  sin. 

4  My  willing  soul  would  stay 

In  such  a  frame  as  this, 
And  sit  and  sing  herself  away 
To  everlasting  bliss. 


HYMN  54,    S.  M. 

The  Resurrection  of  Christ  on  the  Sabbath. 

To-day  the  Saviour  rose : 

Our  Jesus  left  the  dead  ; 
He  conquered  our  tremendous  foes, 

And  Satan  captive  led. 

He  left  his  glorious  throne, 

To  make  our  peace  with  God ; 
Blessings  forever  on  his  name,  - 

He  bought  us  with  his  blood. 
23 


266  FAMILY  RELIGION. 

3  For  us  his  life  he  paid ; 

For  us  the  law  fulfilled  ; 
On  him  our  loads  of  guilt  were  laid ; 
We  by  his  stripes  were  healed. 

4  Ye  saints,  adore  his  name 

Who  hath  such  mercy  shown ; 
Ye  sinners,  love  the  bleeding  Lamb, 
And  make  his  praises  known. 


HYMN  55.    P.M. 

The  Resurrection  of  Christ  on  the  Sabbath. 

All  hail !  the  glorious  morn, 
That  saw  our  Saviour  rise 
With  victory  bright  adorned, 
And  triumph  in  his  eyes ; 
Ye  saints  extol 

Your  risen  Lord, 
And  sing  his  praise 
With  sweet  accord. 

Behold  the  Lamb  of  God, 

Th'  atoning  sacrifice, 
Sustains  the  dreadful  load 
Of  man's  iniquities ; 
Death,  sin,  and  hell, 

Our  cruel  foes, 
All  vanquished  fell, 
When  Jesus  rose. 

At  once  the  prison  doors, 

Death's  awful  gates  expand  ; 
Their  captive  they  restore, 
At  God's  supreme  command ; 
How  blest  the  hour  ! 
(Awake  our  joys,) 
Hell's  fatal  power, 
Lo !  he  destroys. 


FAMILY  II V  MXS.  267 


The  Conqueror  ascends, 

In  triumph  to  the  skies; 

Celestial  hosts  attend, 

To  crown  his  victories ; 

Hark !  they  proclaim 

His  glorious  name ; 

And  heaven  resounds 

Immanuel's  fame. 

Now  to  the  throne  above, 

Let  every  saint  draw  near ; 
There  dwells  incarnate  love ; 
Grace  sits  triumphant  there 
See  mercy  smile, 

Even  on  that  throne, 
Where  once  did  wrath 
And  justice  frown. 

All  praise  be  to  the  Lamb, 

Who  offered  up  his  blood ; 
Hosannas  to  his  name, 

That  for  our  ransom  stood ; 
In  notes  sublime 

With  joy  we  sing, 
The  love  divine 
Of  Christ  our  King. 


HYMN  56.    P.  M 

1  Yes  !  the  Redeemer  rose, 

The  Saviour  left  the  dead, 
And  o'er  our  hellish  foes 

High  raised  his  conquering  head ; 
In  wild  dismay, 
The  guards  around, 
Fall  to  the  ground, 
And  sink  away. 

2  Behold  th'  angelic  bands 

In  full  assembly  meet, 
To  wait  his  high  commands, 
And  worship  at  his  feet. 


268 


FAMILY  RELIGION 

Joyful  they  come, 
And  wing  their  way, 
From  realms  of  day 

To  Jesus'  tomb. 

Then  back  to  heaven  they  fly, 

The  joyful  news  to  bear — 
Hark ! — as  they  soar  on  high, 
What  music  fills  the  air 
Their  anthems  say — 
"Jesus,  who  bled, 
Hath  left  the  dead- 
He  rose  to-day." 

Ye  mortals !  catch  the  sound— 

Redeem'd  by  him  from  hell, 
And  send  the  echo  round 
The  globe  on  which  you  dwell 
Transported,  cry — 
"  Jesus,  who  bled, 
Hath  left  the  dead, 
And  gone  on  high." 


HYMN  57.    7*s. 

1  Angels,  roll  the  rock  away ! 
Death,  yield  up  thy  mighty  pray ! 
See ! — he  rises  from  the  tomb, 
Rises  with  immortal  bloom. 

2  'T  is  the  Saviour — seraphs,  raise 
Your  triumphant  shouts  of  praise 
Let  the  earth's  remotest  bound 
Hear  the  joy-inspiring  sound. 

3  Lift,  ye  saints,  ]i^t  up  your  eyes ! 
Now  to  glory  see  him  rise ! 
Hosts  of  angels  on  the  road 
Hail  and  sing  the  incarnate  God. 

4  Heaven  unfolds  its  portals  wide; 
Gracious  conqueror  through  them  ride, 
King  of  glory  mount  thy  throne, 
Boundless  empire  is  thine  own. 


FAMILY  HYMNS.  269 


5  Praise  him,  all  ye  heavenly  choirs, 
Praise,  and  sweep  your  golden  lyres ; 
Praise  him  in  the  noblest  songs, 
Praise  him  from  ten  thousand  tongues. 


HYMN   58.    L.  M. 
The  eternal  Sabbath. 

1  Thine  earthly  Sabbaths,  Lord,  we  love ; 
But  there 's  a  noblfcr  rest  above ; 

To  that  our  longing  souls  aspire, 
With  ardent  pangs  of  strong  desire. 

2  No  more  fatigue,  no  more  distress, 
Nor  sin,  nor  hell  shall  reach  the  place, 
No  groans  to  mingle  with  the  songs, 
Which  warble  from  immortal  tongues. 

3  No  rude  alarms  of  raging  foes ; 
No  cares  to  break  the  long  repose ; 
No  midnight  shade,  no  clouded  sun, 
Obscure  the  lustre  of  thy  throne. 

4  Around  thy  throne,  grant  we  may  meet, 
And  give  us  but  the  lowest  seat ; 

We'll  shout  thy  praise,  and  join  the  song 
Of  the  triumphant  holy  throng. 


HYMN   59.     P.  M. 

1  Awake,  ye  saints,  awake 

And  hail  this  sacred  day; 

In  loftiest  songs  of  praise, 

Your  joyful  homage  pay. 
Come  bless  the  day  that  God  hath  blest, 
The  type  of  heaven's  eternal  rest. 

2  On  this  auspicious  morn 
The  Lord  of  life  arose ; 
He  burst  the  bars  of  death, 
And  vanquish'd  all  our  foes. 
And  now  he  pleads  our  cause  above, 
And  reaps  the  fruits  of  all  his  love. 


270  FAMILY  RELIGION. 

3  All  hail,  triumphant  Lord ! 
Heaven  with  hosannas  rings ;  . 
And  earth  in  humble  strains 
Thy  praise  responsive  sings. 

Worthy  the  Lamb  that  once  was  slain, 
Through  endless  years  to  live  and  reign. 

4  Great  King,  gird  on  thy  sword ; 
Ascend  thy  conquering  car ; 
While  justice,  power,  and  love 
Maintain  thy  glorious  war. 

This  day  let  sinners  own  thy  sway, 
And  rebels  cast  their  arms  away. 


HYMN  60.    CM.   * 

Sabbath  Evening. 

1  Frequent  the  day  of  God  returns, 

To  shed  its  quick'ning  beams ; 
And  yet  how  slow  devotion  burns ; 
How  languid  are  its  flames ! 

2  Accept  our  faint  attempts  to  love, 

Our  frailties,  Lord,  forgive ; 
We  would  be  like  thy  saints  above, 
And  praise  thee  while  we  live. 

3  Increase,  O  Lord,  our  faith  and  hope, 

And  fit  us  to  ascend, 
Where  the  assembly  ne'er  breaks  up, 
The  Sabbath  ne'er  shall  end ; 

4  Where  we  shall  breathe  in  heavenly  air, 

With  heavenly  lustre  shine, 
Before  the  throne  of  God  appear, 
And  feast  on  love  divine. 

5  Where  we,  in  high  seraphic  strains, 

Shall  all  our  powers  employ ; 
Delighted  range  the  ethereal  plains, 
And  take  our  fill  of  joy. 


FAMILY  HYMNS.  271 


HYMN  61.    Vs. 

Sabbath,  Evening. 
Safely  through  another  week, 

God  has  brought  us  on  our  way ; 
Let  us  now  a  blessing  seek, 
On  this  ending  Sabbath  day, 
Day  of  all  the  week  the  best, 
Emblem  of  eternal  rest. 

When  the  morn  shall  bid  us  rise, 
May  we  feel  thy  presence  near ! 
May  thy  glory  meet  our  eyes 
"When  we  at  thy  throne  appear  ! 
There  afford  us,  Lord,  a  taste 
Of  our  everlasting  feast. 


MISCELLANEOUS  HYMNS. 


HYMN    62.    L.  M. 

Family  Religion.     Gex.  xviii.  19. 

1  Father  of  all,  thy  care  we  bless, 
Which  crowns  our  families  with  peace; 
From  thee  they  spring,  and  by  thy  hand 
They  have  been  and  are  still  sustained. 

2  To  God,  most  worth)'  to  be  praised, 
Be  our  domestic  altars  raised  ; 

Who,  Lord  of  heaven,  scorns  not  to  dwell 
With  saints  in  their  obscurest  cell. 

3  To  thee  may  each  united  house, 
Morning  and  night,  present  its  vows ; 
Our  servants  there,  and  rising  race, 
Be  taught  thy  precepts,  and  thy  grace. 

4  O  may  each  future  age  proclaim, 
The  honours  of  thy  glorious  name ! 
While  pleased  and  thankful  we  remove, 
To  join  the  family  above. 


272  FAMILY  RELIGION. 

HYMN  63.    P.M. 

The  Family  Vow.    Josh,  xxviii.  15. 

1  I  and  my  house  will  serve  the  Lord : 
But  first  obedient  to  his  word 

I  must  myself  appear  : 
By  actions,  words,  and  temper,  show 
That  I  my  heavenly  Master  know, 

And  serve  with  heart  sincere. 

2  I  must  the  fair  example  set : 

From  those  that  on  my  pleasure  wait 

The  stumbling-block  remove ; 
Their  duty  by  my  life  explain, 
And  still  in  all  my  works  maintain 
The  dignity  of  love. 

3  Easy  to  be  entreated,  mild, 
Quickly  appeased  and  reconciled, 

A  follower  of  my  God ; 
A  saint  indeed  I  long  to  be, 
And  lead  my  faithful  family 

In  the  celestial  road. 

4  Lord,  if  thou  didst  the  wish  infuse, 
A  vessel  fitted  for  thy  use 

Into  thy  hands  receive; 
Work  in  me  both  to  will  and  do, 
And  show  them  how  believers  true 
And  real  Christians  live. 


HYMN  64.    L.  M. 
Heaven  the  Christian's  Home.     Heb.  xi.  13 — 16. 
1  As  when  the  weary  traveller  gains 
The  height  of  some  commanding  hill, 
His  eye  quick-glancing  o'er  the  plains, 

Descries  his  home,  though  distant  still ; 
While  he  surveys  the  much-loved  spot, 

He  slights  the  space  that  lies  between  ; 
His  past  fatigues  are  now  forgot, 
For  home  endears  the  onward  scene. 


FAMILY  HYMNS.  273 

2  So  when  the  Christian  pilgrim  views 

By  faith  his  mansion  in  the  skies, 
The  sight  his  fainting  strength  renews, 

And  wings  his  speed  to  reach  the  prize. 
That  heavenly  home  his  spirit  cheers, 

No  more  he  grieves  for  troubles  past, 
Nor  any  future  trial  fears, 

So  he  may  safe  arrive  at  last. 


HYMN   65.    8's,  7's. 
Praise  to  Christ. 

1  Brightness  of  the  Father's  glory ! 

Shall  thy  praise  unuttered  lie  1 
Dread  each  tongue  such  guilty  silence, 
Praise  the  Lord  who  came  to  die. 

2  Hosts  of  angels  sang  thy  coming, 

Watchful  shepherds  learnt  their  lays ; 
Shame  would  cover  us,  ungrateful, 
Should  our  tongues  refuse  their  praise. 

3  From  the  highest  throne  in  glory, 

To  the  cross  of  deepest  woe, 
All  to  ransom  guilty  captives ! — 
Flow  our  praise,  for  ever  flow 

4  Keascend,  immortal  Saviour ! 

Leave  thy  footstool,  take  thy  throne ; 
Yet  return,  and  reign  for  ever, 
Be  the  kingdom  all  thine  own ! 


HYMN  66.    CM. 

Unchangeable  Friend.   Prov.  xvii.  17. 

I  Come  let  our  hearts  and  voices  join, 
To  praise  the  Saviour's  name  ; 

Whose  truth  and  kindness  are  divine, 
Whose  love 's  a  constant  flame. 


74  FAMILY  RELIGION. 

2  When  most  we  need  his  gracious  hand, 

This  Friend  is  always  near ; 
With  heaven  and  earth  at  his  command, 
He  waits  to  answer  prayer. 

3  His  love  no  end  or  measure  knows, 

No  change  can  turn  its  course ; 
Immutably  the  same  it  flows, 
From  one  eternal  source. 

4  When  frowns  appear  to  veil  his  face, 

And  clouds  surround  his  throne, 
He  hides  the  purpose  of  his  grace, 
To  make  it  better  known. 

5  And  when  our  dearest  comforts  fall, 

Before  his  sovereign  will, 

He  never  takes  away  our  all, 

Himself,  he  gives  us  still ! 

6  Our  sorrows  in  the  scale  he  weighs, 

And  measures  out  our  praise ; 
The  wildest  storm  his  word  obeys, 
His  word  its  mere  restrains  ! 


t 

HYMN  67.    C.  M. 

The  inspired  Word,  a  System  of  Knowledge  and  Joy. 
Psalm  cxix.  105. 

1  How  precious  is  the  book  divine, 

By  inspiration  given ! 
Bright  as  a  lamp  its  doctrines  shine, 
To  guide  our  souls  to  heaven.    » 

2  It  sweetly  cheers  our  drooping  hearts 

In  this  dark  vale  of  tears ; 
Life,  light,  and  joy,  it  still  imparts, 
And  quells  our  rising  fears. 

3  This  lamp,  through  all  the  tedious  night 

Of  life,  shall  guide  our  way ; 
Till  we  behold  the  clearer  light 
Of  an  eternal  day. 


FAMILY  HYMNS.  275 

HYMN   68.    L.  M. 
Christian  Friendship.     Ps.  cxxxiii. 

1  How  blest  the  sacred  tie  that  binds, 
In  union  sweet,  according  minds  ! 

How  swift  the  heavenly  course  they  run, 
Whose  hearts,  whose  faith,  whose  hopes  are  one ! 

2  To  each,  the  soul  of  each  how  dear ! 
What  jealous  love,  what  holy  fear  ! 
How  doth  the  generous  flame  within 
Refine  from  earth,  and  cleanse  from  sin  I 

3  Their  streaming  eyes  together  flow 
For  human  guilt  and  mortal  woe ; 
Their  ardent  prayers  together  rise, 
Like  mingling  flames  in  sacrifice. 

4  Together  both  they  seek  the  place 
Where  God  reveals  his  awful  face ; 

How  high,  how  strong,  their  raptures  swell, 
There 's  none  but  kindred  souls  can  tell. 

5  Nor  shall  the  glowing  flame  expire 
When  nature  droops  her  sickening  fire; 
Then  shall  they  meet  in  realms  above, 
A  heaven  of  joy — because  of  love. 

HYMN   69.    C,  M. 

The  Atonement  of  Christ. 

1  In  vain  we  seek  for  peace  with  God 

By  methods  of  our  own : 
Nothing,  O  Saviour  !  but  thy  blood 
Can  bring  us  near  the  throne. 

2  The  threatenings  of  thy  broken  law 

Impress  the  soul  with  dread : 
If  God  his  sword  of  vengeance  draw, 
It  strikes  the  spirit  dead. 

3  But  thine  illustrious  sacrifice 

Hath  answered  all  demands; 
And  peace  and  pardon  from  the  skies 
Come  to  us  by  thy  hands. 


276  FAMILY  RELIGION. 

4  'Tis  by  thy  death  we  live,  O  Lord  ! 
'T  is  on  thy  cross  we  rest : 
For  ever  be  thy  love  adored, 
Thy  name  for  ever  blest. 


HYMN   70.     SM. 

The  Family  Altar. 

1  In  all  my  ways,  O  God, 

I  would  acknowledge  thee ; 
And  seek  to  keep  my  heart  and  house 
From  all  pollution  free. 

2  Where'er  I  have  a  tent, 

An  altar  will  I  raise ; 
And  thither  my  oblations  bring, 
Of  humble  prayer  and  praise. 

3  Could  I  my  wish  obtain, 

My  household,  Lord,  should  be 
Devoted  to  thyself  alone, 
A  nursery  for  thee. 


HYMN    71.    L.  M. 
77ie  Happy  Change. 

1  In  sin  by  blinded  passions  led, 

In  search  of  fancy's  good  we  range ; 
The  paths  of  disappointment  tread, 
To  nothing  fixed,  but  love  of  change. 

2  But  when  the  Holy  Ghost  imparts 

A  knowledge  of  the  Saviour's  love ; 
Our  wandering,  weary,  restless  hearts, 
Are  then  renewed  no  more  to  rove. 

3  Now  a  new  principle  takes  place, 

Which  guides  and  animates  the  will, 
This  love,  another  name  for  grace, 
Constrains  to  good,  and  bars  from  ill. 

4  By  love's-pure  light  we  soon  perceive 

Our  noblest  bliss  and  proper  end ; 
And  gladly  every  idol  leave, 

To  love  and  serve  our  Lord  and  friend. 


FAMILY  HYMNS.  277 

HYMN   72.     P.M. 
For  he  hath  said,  I  will  never  leave  thee.    Heb.  xii.  5. 

1  Never  leave  us,  nor  forsake  us, 

Thou  on  whom  our  souls  rely; 
Till  thou  shalt  forever  take  us 

To  behold  that  glory  nigh, 
Which  though  distant, 
Fills  thy  people's  hearts  with  joy. 

2  They  are  blest,  and  none  beside  them, 

They  who  hope,  O  Lord,  in  Thee ; 
They  are  blest,  though  all  deride  them, 
They,  whom  grace  and  truth  make  free ; 

Joys  await  them, 
Where  thou  art,  they  hope  to  be. 

3  Joys  await  them  without  measure, 

Theirs,  conferred  by  royal  grant ; 
Rivers  of  eternal  pleasure, 
For  which  now  thy  people  pant, 

Shall  supply  them, 
And  they  then  shall  feel  no  want. 

4  'T  is  the  hope  of  this  that  charms  them 

From  the  love  of  all  below ; 
Hope  of  this  with  boldness  arms  them 
To  oppose  the  mighty  foe ; 

Hope  of  glory, 
Sweetens  toil  and  lightens  woe. 


HYMN  73.    CM. 

For  Providence  and  Grace. 

1  O  Thou,  my  light,  my  life,  my  joy, 

My  glory,  and  my  all ; 
Unsent  by  thee,  no  good  can  come, 
No  evil  can  befall. 

2  Such  are  thy  schemes  of  providence, 

And  methods  of  thy  grace, 
That  I  may  safely  trust  in  thee, 
Through  all  the  wilderness. 
21 


27  S  FAMILY  RELIGION. 

3  'T  is  thine  outstretched  and  powerful  arm, 

Upholds  me  in  the  way ; 
And  thy  rich  bounty  well  supplies 
The  wants  of  every  day. 

4  For  such  compassions,  O  my  God  ! 

Ten  thousand  thanks  are  due  ; 
For  such  compassions,  I  esteem 
Ten  thousand  thanks  too  few. 


HYMN   -74.    CM. 

Goodness  of  God.    Jer.  xxxi.  12. 

1  Thy  goodness,  Lord,  our  souls  confess, 

Thy  goodness  we  adore ; 
A  spring  whose  blessings  never  fail, 
A  sea  without  a  shore  ! 

2  Sun,  moon,  and  stars,  thy  love  attest 

In  every  golden  ray ; 
Love  draws  the  curtains  of  the  night, 
And  love  brings  back  the  day. 

3  Thy  bounty  every  season  crowns, 

With  all  the  bliss  it  yields ; 
With  joyful  clusters  loads  the  vines, 
With  strength'ning  grain  the  fields. 

4  But  chiefly  thy  compassion,  Lord, 

Is  in  the  Gospel  seen  ; 
There,  like  a  sun,  thy  mercy  shines, 
Without  a  cloud  between. 

5  Pardon,  acceptance,  peace,  and  joy, 

Through  Jesu's  name  are  given  ; 
He  on  the  cross  was  lifted  high, 
That  we  might  reign  in  heaven. 


HYMN   75.    CM. 

1  Now  to  the  Lamb  that  once  was  slain, 
Be  endless  blessings  paid ; 
Salvation,  glory,  joy,  remain 
Forever  on  thy  head. 


FAMILY  HYMNS.  279 

2  Thou  hast  redeemed  us  by  thy  blood, 
And  set  the  pris'ners  free  ; 
Hast  made  us  kings  and  priests  to  God, 
And  we  shall  reign  with  thee. 


HYMN  76.    CM. 

1  Come,  Holy  Spirit,  heavenly  Dove, 

With  all  thy  quick'ning  powers, 
Kindle  a  flame  of  sacred  love 
In  these  cold  hearts  of  ours. 

2  See  how  we  grovel  here  below, 

Fond  of  these  earthly  toys ; 
Our  souls  how  heavily  they  go 
To  reach  eternal  joys. 

3  In  vain  we  tune  our  lifeless  songs, 

In  vain  we  strive  to  rise, 
Hosannas  languish  on  our  tongues, 
And  our  devotion  dies. 

4  Dear  Lord !  and  shall  we  ever  live 

At  this  poor  dying  rate, 
Our  love  so  faint,  so  cold  to  thee, 
And  thine  to  us  so  great  ? 

5  Come,  Holy  Spjrit,  heavenly  Dove, 

With  all  thy  quick'ning  powers, 
Come  shed  abroad  a  Saviour's  love, 
And  that  shall  kindle  ours. 


HYMN   77.    L.  M. 

1  O  that  my  load  of  sin  were  gone ! 

O  that  I  could  at  last  submit, 
At  Jesus'  feet  to  lay  me  down  ! 
To  lay  my  soul  at  Jesus'  feet. 

2  Rest  for  my  soul  I  long  to  find : 

Saviour  of  all,  if  mine  thou  art, 
Give  me  thy  meek  and  Jowly  mind, 
And  stamp  thy  image  on  my  heart. 


280  FAMILY  RELIGION. 

3  Break  off  the  yoke  of  inbred  sin, 

And  fully  set  my  spirit  free ; 
I  cannot  rest  till  pure  within, 
Till  I  am  wholly  lost  in  thee. 

4  But  thou  must  give  the  will  and  power 

My  heart  from  every  sin  release ; 
Bring  near,  bring  near  the  joyful  hour, 
And  fill  me  with  thy  perfect  peace. 


HYMN   78.    L.  M. 

1  What  sinners  value  I  resign ; 

Lord,  'tis  enough  that  thou  art  mine : 

I  shall  behold  thy  blissful  face, 

And  stand  complete  in  righteousness. 

2  This  life 's  a  dream,  an  empty  show ; 
But  the  bright  world  to  which  I  go 
Hath  joys  substantial  and  sincere ; 
When  shall  I  wake  and  find  me  there  ? 

3  O  glorious  hour  !  O  blest  abode  ! 
I  shall  be  near  and  like  my  God ! 
And  flesh  and  sin  no  more  control 
The  sacred  pleasures  of  the  soul. 


HYMN  79.    8's. 

1  To  Jesus,  the  crown  of  my  hope, 
My  soul  is  in  haste  to  be  gone ; 
O  bear  me,  ye  cherubim,  up, 
And  waft  me  away  to  his  throne. 

2  My  Saviour,  whom  absent  I  love, 
Whom  not  having  seen,  I  adore ; 
Whose  name  is  exalted  above 
All  glory,  dominion,  and  power. 

3  Dissolve  thou  the  bonds  that  detain 
My  soul  from  a  portion  in  thee ; 

O  strike  off  the  adamant  chain, 
And  make  me  eternally  free. 


FAMILY  HYMNS.  281 


Then  that  happy  era  begins, 
When  arrayed  in  thy  glory  I  shine ; 
And  no  longer  I  pierce  with  my  sins 
The  bosom  on  which  I  recline. 


HYMN  §0.    L.  M. 

1  Beset  with  snares  on  ev'ry  hand, 
In  life's  uncertain  path  1  stand ; 
Saviour  divine,  diffuse  thy  light 

To  guide  my  doubtful  footsteps  right. 

2  Engage  this  roving,  treacherous  heart, 
To  fix  on  Mary's  better  part ; 

To  scorn  the  trifles  of  a  day, 

For  joys  that  none  can  take  away. 

3  Then  let  the  wildest  storms  arise — 
Let  tempests  mingle  earth  and  skies; 
No  fatal  shipwreck  shall  I  fear, 

But  all  my  treasures  with  me  bear. 

4  If  thou,  my  Jesus,  still  be  nigh, 
Cheerful  I  live,  and  joyful  die ; 
Secure  when  mortal  comforts  flee, 
To  find  ten  thousand  worlds  in  thee. 


HYMN  81.     ll's. 

1  How  firm  a  foundation,  ye  saints  of  the  Lord, 
Is  laid  for  your  faith  in  his  excellent  word  ! 
What  more  can  he  say  than  to  you  he  hath  said, 
You  who  to  Jesus  for  refuge  have  fled  1 

2  In  every  condition,  in  sickness,  in  health, 
In  poverty's  vale,  or  abounding  in  wealth, 

At  home,  and  abroad,  on  the  land,  on  the  sea, 

As  thy  days  may  demand,  shall  thy  strength  ever  be. 

3  Fear  not,  I  am  with  thee ;  0  be  not  dismayed, 
For  I  am  thy. God,  and  will  still  give  thee  aid ; 

I'll  strengthen  thee,  help  thee,  and  cause  thee  to  stand 
Upheld  by  my  righteous,  omnipotent  hand. 

24* 


282  FAMILY  RELIGION. 

4  When  through  the  deep  waters  I  call  thee  to  go, 
The  rivers  of  sorrow  shall  not  overflow; 

For  I  will  be  with  thee,  thy  troubles  to  bless, 
And  sanctify  to  thee  thy  deepest  distress. 

5  The  soul  that  on  Jesus  hath  leaned  for  repose, 
I  will  not — I  will  not  desert  to  his  foes ; 

That  soul,  tho'  all  hell  should  endeavour  to  shake, 
I'll  never,  no  never,  no  never  forsake. 


HYMN   82.    C.  M. 

1  Come  let  us  join  our  cheerful  songs 

With  angels  round  the  throne, 
Ten  thousand  thousand  are  their  tongues, 
But  all  their  joys  are  one. 

2  Worthy  the  Lamb  that  died,  they  cry, 

To  be  exalted  thus  ! 
Worthy  the  Lamb,  our  hearts  reply, 
For  he  was  slain  for  us. 

3  Jesus  is  worthy  to  receive 

Honour  and  power  divine, 
And  blessings  more  than  we  can  give, 
Be,  Lord,  forever  thine ! 

4  The  whole  creation  join  in  one, 

To  bless  the  sacred  name 
Of  him  that  sits  upon  the  throne, 
And  to  adore  the  Lamb. 


HYMN  83.     7's 

1  Rock  of  ages  !  cleft  for  me, 
Let  me  hide  myself  in  thee, 
Let  the  water  and  the  blood, 
From  thy  side,  a  healing  flood, 
Be  of  sin  the  double  cure, 

Save  from  wrath,  and  make  me  pure. 

2  Not  the  labour  of  my  hands 
Can  fulfil  the  law's  demands : 


FAMILY  HYMNS.  283 


Should  my  tears  forever  flow, 
Should  my  zeal  no  languor  know, 
This  for  sin  could  not  atone, 
Thou  must  save,  and  thou  alone. 

3  In  my  hand  no  price  I  bring, 
Simply  to  thy  cross  I  cling ; 
Naked  come  to  thee  for  dress, 
Helpless  look  to  thee  for  grace. 
Vile,  I  to  the  fountain  fly, 
Wash  me,  Saviour,  or  I  die. 

4  While  I  draw  this  fleeting  breath, 
When  my  eyelids  close  in  death, 
When  I  soar  to  worlds  unknown, 
And  behold  thee  on  thy  throne — 
Rock  of  ages !  cleft  for  me, 

Let  me  hide  myself  in  thee. 


HYMN   84.     8's&7's. 
Divine  Love,  2  Cor.  iii.  17,  18. 

1  Love  divine,  all  love  excelling, 

Joy  of  heaven,  to  earth  come  down ; 
Fix  in  us  thy  humble  dwelling, 
All  thy  faithful  mercies  crown. 

2  Jesus,  thou  art  all  compassion, 

Pure  unbounded  love  thou  art ; 
Visit  us  with  thy  salvation, 
Enter  every  trembling  heart. 

3  Come,  thou  Holy,  heavenly  Spirit, 

Enter  every  troubled  breast ; 
Let  us  all  in  thee  inherit 
Peace,  and  joy,  and  holy  rest. 

4  Take  away  the  love  of  sinning, 

Alpha  and  Omega  be ; 
End  of  faith,  as  its  beginning, 
Set  our  souls  at  liberty. 


284  FAMILY  RELIGION. 

5  Carry  on  thy  new  creation, 

Happy,  holy  may  we  be ! 
Let  us  see  our  whole  salvation 
Perfectly  secured  by  thee. 

6  Changed  from  glory  into  glory, 

Till  in  heaven  we  take  our  place, 

Till  we  cast  our  crowns  before  thee, 

Lost  in  wonder,  love,  and  praise ! 


HYMN   85.    7's&6's. 

1  Rise,  my  soul,  and  stretch  thy  wings, 

Thy  better  portion  trace, 
Rise  from  transitory  things, 

T'wards  heaven  thy  destined  place 
Sun,  and  moon,  and  stars  decay, 

Time  shall  soon  this  earth  remove, 
Rise,  my  soul,  and  haste  away 

To  seats  prepared  above. 

2  Cease,  ye  pilgrims,  cease  to  mourn, 

Press  onward  to  the  prize ; 
Soon  your  Saviour  will  return, 

Triumphant  in  the  skies ; 
Where  is  everlasting  peace, 

Rest  enduring,  rest  in  heaven: 
There  will  sorrow  ever  cease, 

And  crowns  of  joy  be  given. 


HYMN   86.     L.  M. 

Star  of  Bethlehem.     Matt.  ii.  10. 

When  marshall'd  on  the  nightly  plain 
The  glitt'ring  hos£  bestud  the  sky ; 
One  star  alone,  of  all  the  train, 
Can  fix  the  sinner's  wand'ring  eye. 

Hark!  hark!  to  God  the  chorus  breaks 
From  every  host,  from  every  gem  ; 
But  one  alone  the  Saviour  speaks  ;— 
It  is  the  star  of  Bethlehem  ! 


FAMILY  HYMNS.  285 

3  Once  on  the  raging  seas  I  rode, 

The  storm  was  loud — the  night  was  dark—: 
The  ocean  yawn'd— and  rudely  blow'd 
The  wind  that  toss'd  my  found'ring  bark. 

4  Deep  horror  then  my  vitals  froze, 
Death-struck,  I  ceased  the  tide  to  stem, 
When  suddenly  a  star  arose — 

It  was  the  star  of  Bethlehem  ! 

5  It  was  my  guide,  my  light,  my  all — 
It  bade  my  dark  forebodings  cease ; 

And  through  the  storm  and  danger's  thrall, 
It  led  me  to  the  port  of  peace. 

6  Now  safely  moor'd — my  perils  o'er, 
I'll  sing,  first  in  night's  diadem: 
For  ever,  and  for  ever  more, 

The  star ! — the  star  of  Bethlehem ! 


HYMN  87.    8's,  &  7's. 

Ebenezer,  or,  Praise,  1  Sam.  vii.  12. 

1  Come,  thou  Fount  of  every  blessing ! 

Tune  my  heart  to  sing  thy  grace 
Streams  of  mercy,  never  ceasing, 

Call  for  songs  of  loudest  praise ; 
Teach  me  some  melodious  sonnet, 

Sung  by  flaming  tongues  above ; 
Praise  the  mount — Oh  fix  me  on  it, 

Mount  of  God's  unchanging  love. 

2  Here  I  raise  my  Ebenezer, 

Hither  by  thy  help  I  'm  come ; 
And  I  hope  by  thy  good  pleasure 

Safely  to  arrive  at  home : 
Jesus  sought  me  when  a  stranger, 

Wandering  from  the  fold  of  God, 
He,  to  rescue  me  from  danger, 

Interposed  his  precious  blood. 


288  FAMILY  RELIGION. 

3  O !  to  grace  how  great  a  debtor 

Daily  I  'm  constrained  to  be  ! 
Let  that  grace  now,  like  a  fetter, 

Bind  my  wandering  heart  to  thee  ! 
Prone  to  wander,  Lord,  I  feel  it, 

Prone  to  leave  the  God  I  love — 
Here's  my  heart — O  take  and  seal  it ! 

Seal  it  for  thy  courts  above ! 


HYMN  88.    L.  M.  6  lines. 

Child?' en's  Hymn. 

1  Father  of  all,  whose  tender  love, 
Whose  bounty  all  thy  creatures  prove, 
We  feel  thy  goodness,  own  thy  power ; 
Thy  hand  sustains  us  every  hour. 
Father  receive  our  hymn  of  praise, 
Nor  scorn  the  humble  strains  we  raise. 

2  Oh,  may  thy  grace  our  hearts  prepare, 
Thy  truth,  thy  goodness  to  declare  ! 
The  kindness  of  our  friends  repay  ; 
Guard  them  through  life  to  endless  day ; 
For  them  our  infant  hearts  we  raise, 
Impressed  with  gratitude  and  praise. 


HYMN   89.     L.  M.     6  lines. 

1  When  gathering  clouds  around  I  view, 
And  days  are  dark,  and  friends  are  few, 
On  him  I  lean,  who  not  in  vain 
Experienced  every  human  pain  ; 

He  sees  my  wants,  allays  my  fears, 
And  counts  and  treasures  up  my  tears. 

2  If  aught  should  tempt  my  soul  to  stray 
From  heavenly  virtue's  narrow  way, 
To  fly  the  good  I  would  pursue, 

Or  do  the  sin  I  would  not  do ; 

Still  he,  who  felt  temptation's  power, 

Shall  guard  me  in  that  dangerous  hour. 


FAMILY  HYMNS.  287 

3  If  wounded  love  my  bosom  swell, 
Deceived  by  those  I  prized  too  well, 
He  shall  his  pitying  aid  bestow 
Who  felt  on  earth  severer  woe ; 

At  once  betrayed,  denied,  or  fled, 
By  all  who  shared  his  daily  bread. 

4  When  vexed  thoughts  within  me  rise, 
And  sore  dismayed  my  spirit  dies  ; 
Y^et  he  who  once  vouchsafed  to  bear 
The  sickening  anguish  of  despair, 
Shall  sweetly  soothe,  shall  gently  dry, 
The  throbbing  heart,  the  streaming  eye. 

5  When  sorrowing  o'er  some  stone  I  bend 
Which  covers  all  that  was  a  friend, 
And  from  his  voice,  his  hand,  his  smile, 
Divides  me  for  a  little  while ; 

Thou,  Saviour,  seest  the  tears  I  shed, 
For  thou  didst  weep  o'er  Lazarus  dead. 

6  And  O,  when  I  have  safely  past 
Through  every  conflict  but  the  last, 
Still,  still  unchanging  wait  beside 
My  painful  bed — for  thou  hast  died ; 
Then  point  to  realms  of  cloudless  day, 
And  wipe  the  latest  tear  away. 


HYMN    90.     8's. 

1  Ye  angels  who  stand  round  the  throne, 

And  view  my  Immanuel's  face, 
In  rapturous  songs  make  him  known ; 

Tune,  tune  your  soft  harps  to  his  praise ; 
He  formed  you  the  spirits  you  are, 

So  happy,  so  noble,  so  good ; 
While  others  sunk  down  in  despair, 

Confirmed  by  his  power,  ye  stood. 

2  Ye  saints,  who  stand  nearer  than  they, 

And  cast  your  bright  crowns  at  his  feet, 
His  grace  and  his  glory  display, 
And  all  his  rich  mercy  repeat ; 


288  FAMILY  RELIGION. 

He  snatched  you  from  hell  and  the  grave, 
He  ransomed  from  death  and  despair  j 

For  you  he  was  mighty  to  save, 
Almighty  to  bring  you  safe  there. 

3  O,  when  will  the  period  appear, 

When  1  shall  unite  in  your  song  1 
I  'm  weary  of  lingering  here, 

And  I  to  your  Saviour  belong ! 
I  'm  fettered  and  chained  up  in  clay, 

I  struggle  and  pant  to  be  free ; 
I  long  to  be  soaring  away, 

My  God  and  my  Saviour  to  see. 

-    4  I  want  to  put  on  my  attire, 

Washed  white  in  the  blood  of  the  Lamb ; 
I  want  to  be  one  of  your  choir, 

And  tune  my  sweet  harp  to  his  name ; 
I  want — oh  I  want  to  be  there, 

Where  sorrow  and  sin  bid  adieu, 
Your  joy  and  your  friendship  to  share, 

To  wonder  and  worship  with  you. 


HYMN  91.    P.M. 

Free  Grace.     Zech.  iv.  7. 

1  The  voice  of  free  grace,  cries,  Escape  to  the  mountain ; 
For  all  that  believe  Christ  hath  open'd  a  fountain 

For  sin  and  uncleanness,  and  every  transgression, 
His  blood  flows  most  freely,  in  streams  of  salvation : 
Hallelujah  to  the  Lamb,  who  has  bought  us  a  pardon, 
W^e'll  praise  him  again,  when  we  pass  over  Jordan. 

2  Ye  souls  that  are  wounded,  to  the  Saviour  repair, 
Now  he  calls  you  in  mercy — and  can  you  forbear  1 
Though  your  sins  are  increased,  as  high  as  a  mountain, 
His  blood  can  remove  them ;  it  streams  from  the  fountain. 

Hallelujah  to  the  Lamb,  &c.  &c. 

3  Now  Jesus,  our  King,  reigns  triumphantly  glorious ; 
O'er  sin,  death,  and  hell,  he  is  more  than  victorious. 
With  shouting  proclaim  it ;  O  trust  in  his  passion ; 
He  saves  us  most  freely — O  precious  salvation ! 

Hallelujah  to  the  Lamb,  <Sc  &c. 


FAMILY  HYMNS.  289 

4  With  joy  shall  we  stand,  when  escaped  to  the  shore, 
With  harps  in  our  hands,  we  '11  praise  him  the  more : 
We  '11  range  the  sweet  plains  on  the  banks  of  the  river, 
And  sing  of  salvation  for  ever  and  ever. 
Hallelujah  to  the  Lamb,  &c.  &c. 


HYMN   92.    8's  &  7's,  8's,  7's,  7V,  7's. 
Isaiah  lxiii. 

1  Who  is  this  that  comes  from  Edom, 
All  his  raiment  stained  with  blood  ? 
To  the  captive  speaking  freedom, 
Bringing  and  bestowing  good; 
Glorious  in  the  garb  he  wears, 
Glorious  in  the  spoil  he  bears. 

2  'T  is  the  Saviour,  now  victorious, 
Travelling  onward  in  his  might ; 
'T  is  the  Saviour,  O  how  glorious 
To  his  people,  is  the  sight ! 
Satan  conquered,  and  the  grave, 
Jesus  now  is  strong  to  save. 

3  Wiry  that  blood  his  raiment  staining ! 
'T  is  the  blood  of  many  slain ; 

Of  his  foes,  there 's  none  remaining, 
Now  the  contest  to  maintain : 
Fallen  are  they,  not  to  rise  ; 
All  their  glory  prostrate  lies. 

4  Mighty  Victor,  reign  forever, 
Wear  the  crown  so  dearly  won ! 
Never  shall  thy  people,  never 
Cease  to  sing  what  thou  hast  done  ! 
Thou  hast  fought  thy  people's  foes ; 
Thou  hast  heal'd  thy  people's  woes! 


HYMN  93.    C.  M. 
Oh,  could  I  find,  from  day  to  day, 

A  nearness  to  my  God  ! 
Then  should  my  hours  glide  sweet  away, 
And  lean  upon  his  word. 
25 


290  FAMILY  RELIGION. 

2  Lord,  I  desire  with  thee  to  live 

Anew  from  day  to  day, 
In  joys  the  world  can  never  give, 
Nor  ever  take  away. 

3  O,  Jesus,  come  and  rule  my  heart, 

And  make  me  wholly  thine, 

That  I  may  never  more  depart, 

Nor  grieve  thy  love  divine. 

4  Thus,  till  my  last  expiring  breath, 

Thy  goodness  I  '11  adore  ; 
And  when  my  flesh  dissolves  in  death, 
My  soul  shall  love  thee  more. 


HYMN  94.     lO's&ll's. 

1  Begone,  unbelief!  my  Saviour  is  near, 
And  for  my  relief,  will  surely  appear ; 

By  prayer  let  me  wrestle,  and  he  will  perform ; 
With  Christ  in  the  vessel,  I  smile  at  the  storm. 

2  Though  dark  be  my  way,  since  he  is  my  guide, 
'T  is  mine  to  obey,  't  is  his  to  provide : 
Though  cisterns  be  broken,  and  creatures  all  fail, 
The  word  he  has  spoken,  shall  surely  prevail. 

3  His  love,  in  time  past,  forbids  me  to  think 
He'll  leave  me  at  last  in  trouble  to  sink; 
Each  sweet  Ebenezer,  I  have  in  review, 
Confirms  his  good  pleasure  to  help  me  quite  through. 

4  Why  should  I  complain  of  want  and  distress, 
Temptation  or  pain  1 — he  told  me  no  less : 
The  heirs  of  salvation,  I  know  from  his  word, 
Through  much  tribulation  must  follow  their  Lord. 

5  Since  all  that  I  meet  shall  work  for  my  good, 
The  bitter  is  sweet,  the  medicine  food  : 

Though  painful  at  present,  't  will  cease  before  long, 
And  then,  O  how  pleasant  the  conqueror's  song ! 


FAMILY  HYMNS.  291 


HYMN   93.    CM. 


1  Whilst  thee  I  seek,  protecting  Power ! 

Be  my  vain  wishes  still'd ; 

And  may  this  consecrated  hour 

With  better  hopes  be  fill'd. 

2  Thy  love  the  power  of  thought  bestowed, 

To  thee  my  thoughts  would  soar ; 
Thy  mercy  o'er  my  life  has  flowed, 
That  mercy  I  adore. 

3  In  each  event  of  life,  how  clear 

Thy  ruling  hand  I  see  ! 
Each  blessing  to  my  soul  most  dear, 
Because  conferred  by  thee. 

4  In  every  joy  that  crowns  my  days, 

In  every  pain  I  bear, 
My  heart  shall  find  delight  in  praise, 
Or  seek  relief  in  prayer.   ■ 

5  When  gladness  wings  my  favoured  hour, 

Thy  love  my  thoughts  shall  fill : 
Resigned  when  storms  of  sorrow  lower, 
My  soul  shall  meet  thy  will. 

6  My  lifted  eye,  without  a  tear, 

The  gathering  storm  shall  see : 
My  steadfast  heart  shall  know  no  fear, 
That  heart  will  rest  on  thee. 


HYMN    96.     ll's,  double. 

1  The  sound  of  salvation  is  echoed  afar, 

The  breezes  have  borne  the  glad  tidings  abroad; 
The  light  that  is  beaming  from  Bethlehem  s  star, 
Is  chasing  the  darkness  from  sorrow's  abode : 
The  wastes  of  the  desert  in  verdure  appear, 
With  rich  blooming  fragrance  perfuming  the  air ; 
The  mountains  are  sinking,  the  valleys  arise, 
And  earth  is  becoming  the  joy  of  the  skies. 


292  FAMILY  RELIGION. 

2  The  sound  of  salvation  is  echoed  afar ; 

The  heralds  aloud  the  glad  tidings  proclaim ; 
The  sons  of  redemption  now  waken  to  prayer, 

And  millions  rejoice  in  Immanuel's  name  : 
O  tremble,  ye  fugitives,  monsters  of  sin  ! 
Ye  demons  of  darkness,  ye  foul  and  unclean  ! 
Ye  soon  shall  descend  to  your  destined  abode, 
While  earth  shall  rejoice  in  the  smiles  of  her  God. 

3  The  sound  of  salvation  is  echoed  afar, 

And  converts  outnumber  the  drops  of  the  morn ; 
Loud  songs  of  rejoicing  are  borne  through  the  air, 

From  regions  long  wasted,  despised  and  forlorn  : 
Now  millions  of  heathen  receive  the  glad  word, 
The  outcasts  of  Israel  return  to  the  Lord, 
The  earth  and  the  sea  shall  be  cleansed  from  their  stain, 
And  Jesus,  triumphant,  begin  his  glad  reign. 


HYMN   9T.     6'8,4's. 

1  Come,  thou  almighty  King, 
Help  us  thy  name  to  sing, 

Help  "us  to  praise  ! 
Father  all  glorious,  o'er  all  victorious, 
Come,  and  reign  over  us,  ancient  of  days. 

2  Jesus,  our  Lord,  arise, 
Scatter  our  enemies, 

And  make  them  fall ! 
Let  thine  almighty  aid  our  sure  defence  be  made ; 
Our  souls  on  thee  be  staid ;  Lord,  hear  our  call ! 

3  Come,  thou  incarnate  Word, 
Gird  on  thy  mighty  sword  ; 

Our  prayer  attend ! 
Come,  and  thy  people  bless,  and  give  thy  word  success ; 
Spirit  of  holiness,  on  us  descend  ! 

4  Come,  holy  Comforter, 
Thy  sacred  witness  bear, 

In  this  glad  hour ! 
Thou,  who  almighty  art,  now  rule  in  every  heart, 
And  ne'er  from  us  depart,  Spirit  of  power. 


FAMILY  HYMNS.  293 

5  To  the  great  One  in  Three, 
The  highest  praises  be, 
Hence  evermore ! 
His  sovereign  majesty  may  we  in  glory  see, 
And  to  eternity,  love  and  adore  ! 


HYMN  98.    CM. 

1  Oh  for  a  closer  walk  with  God, 

A  calm  and  heavenly  frame ; 

A  light  to  shine  upon  the  road 

That  leads  me  to  the  Lamb  ! 

2  Where  is  the  blessedness  I  knew 

When  first  I  saw  the  Lord  1 
Where  is  the  soul-refreshing  view 
Of  Jesus  and  his  word  1 

3  What  peaceful  hours  I  once  enjoyed ! 

How  sweet  their  memory  still ! 
But  they  have  left  an  aching  void, 
The  world  can  never  fill. 

4  Return,  O  holy  Dove,  return  ! 

Sweet  messenger  of  rest ! 
I  hate  the  sins  that  made  thee  mourn, 
And  drove  thee  from  my  breast. 

5  The  dearest  idol  I  have  known, 

Whate'er  that  idol  be, 
Help  me  to  tear  it  from  thy  throne, 
And  worship  only  thee. 

6  So  shall  my  walk  be  close  with  God, 

Calm  and  serene  my  frame ; 
So  purer  light  shall  mark  the  road 
That  leads  me  to  the  Lamb. 


HYMN   99.  7's 

1  Jesus  !  lover  of  my  soul, 
Let  me  to  thy  bosom  fly, 
While  the  raging  billows  roll, — 
While  the  tempest  still  is  high  ! 
25* 


294  FAMILY  RELIGION. 

Hide  me,  O  my  Saviour,  hide, 
Till  the  storm  of  life  is  past ; 

Safe  into  the  haven  guide; 
O,  receive  my  soul  at  last. 

2  Other  refuge  have  I  none, — 

Hangs  my  helpless  soul  on  thee ; 
Leave,  ah  !  leave  me  not  alone, 

Still  support  and  comfort  me  ; 
All  my  trust  on  thee  is  staid, 

All  my  help  from  thee  I  bring ; 
Cover  my  defenceless  head 

With  the  shadow  of  thy  wing. 

3  Thou,  O  Christ,  art  all  I  want ; 

All  in  all  in  thee  I  find ! 
Raise  the  fallen,  cheer  the  faint, 

Heal  the  sick,  and  lead  the  blind  ! 
Just  and  holy  is  thy  name, 

I  am  all  unrighteousness, 
Vile  and  full  of  sin  I  am, 

Thou  art  full  of  truth  and  grace. 

4  Plenteous  grace  with  thee  is  found, 

Grace  to  pardon  all  my  sin — 
Let  the  healing  streams  abound; 

Make  and  keep  me  pure  within ; 
Thou  of  life  the  fountain  art, 

Freely  let  me  take  of  thee ; 
Spring  thou  up  within  my  heart 

Rise  to  all  eternity. 


HYMN   100.    L.  If.     6  lines. 

Sweet  as  the  shepherd's  tuneful  reed, 
From  Zion's  mount  I  heard  the  sound 
Gay  sprung  the  flowers  of  the  mead, 
And  gladdened  nature  smiled  around: 
The  voice  of  peace  salutes  mine  ear, 
Christ's  lovely  voice  perfumes  the  air. 


FAMILY  HYMNS.  295 

2  Peace,  troubled  soul,  whose  plaintive  moan 
Hath  taught  these  rocks  the  note  of  woe ; 
Cease  thy  complaint,  suppress  thy  groan, 
And  let  thy  tears  forget  to  flow : 

Behold  the  precious  balm  is  poured, 

That  sheathes  th'  avenger's  glittering  sword. 

3  As  spring  the  winter,  day  the  night, 
Peace,  sorrow's  gloom  hath  chased  away ; 
And  smiling  joy,  a  seraph  bright, 

Shall  tend  thy  steps,  and  near  thee  stay ; 
Whilst  glory  weaves  th'  immortal  crown, 
And  waits  to  claim  thee  for  her  own. 


HYMN  101.    L.  M. 

Ps.  cii.  21,  22. 

1  Eternal  Lord !  from  land  to  land 
Shall  echo  thine  all-glorious  name ; 
Till  kingdoms  bow  at  thy  command, 
And  every  lip  thy  praise  proclaim. 

2  Exalted  high,  on  every  shore, 
The  banner  of  the  cross  unfurled, 
Shall  summon  thousands  to  adore 
The  Saviour  of  a  ransomed  world. 

3  Thousands  shall  join  thy  pilgrim  band, 
And,  by  that  sacred  standard  led, 
Press  forward  to  Immanuel's  land, 
Nor  fear  the  thorny  path  to  tread. 

4  Triumphant  over  every  foe, 

Their  ransomed  numbers  shall  move  on, 
To  that  blest  world  where  sin  or  woe 
Shall  never  mingle  with  their  song. 


HYMN  102.    L.  M. 

At  anchor  laid,  remote  from  home 
Toiling,  I  cry,  sweet  spirit  come  ! 
Celestial  breeze,  no  longer  stay, 
But  swell  my  sails  and  speed  my  way ! 


296  FAMILY  RELIGION. 

2  Fain  would  I  mount,  fain  would  I  glow, 
And  loose  my  cable  from  below : 
But  I  can  only  spread  my  sail : 
Thou — thou  must  breathe  th'  auspicious  gale  ! 


HYMN  103.    CM. 

Resignation. 

1  My  God,  my  Father  !  blissful  name ! 

0  may  I  call  thee  mine ! 

May  I,  with  sweet  assurance,  claim 
A  portion  so  divine ! 

2  This  can  my  every  fear  control, 

And  bid  my  sorrows  fly ; 
What  harm  can  ever  reach  my  soul 
Beneath  my  Father's  eye. 

3  Whate'er  thy  providence  denies, 

1  calmly  would  resign ; 

For  thou  art  good,  and  just  and  wise: 
O  bend  my  will  to  thine. 

4  If  pain  and  sorrow  rend  this  frame, 

And  life  almost  depart ; 
Is  not  thy  mercy  still  the  same, 
To  cheer  my  drooping  heart  1 

5  Thy  sovereign  ways  are  all  unknown 

To  my  weak,  erring  sight ; 
Yet  let  my  soul,  adoring  own 
That  all  thy  ways  are  right. 


HYMN   104.    CM. 

Comfort  in  Affliction. 

1  O  thou  who  driest  the  mourner's  tear, 

How  dark  this  world  would  be, 
If,  pierced  by  sins  and  sorrows  here, 
We  could  not  fly  to  thee  ! 

2  The  friends,  who  in  our  sunshine  live, 

When  winter  comes,  are  flown; 
And  he  who  has  but  tears  to  give, 
Must  weep  those  tears  alone. 


FAMILY  HYMNS.  297 

3  But  thou  wilt  hear  that  broken  heart, 

Which,  Jike  the  plants  that  throw 
Their  fragrance  from  the  wounded  part, 
Breathes  sweetness  out  of  woe. 

4  When  joy  no  longer  soothes  or  cheers, 

And  e'en  the  hope  that  threw 
A  moment's  sparkle  o'er  our  tears, 
Is  dimm'd  and  vanish'd  too  ! 

5  Oh  !  who  could  bear  life's  stormy  doom, 

Did  not  thy  wing  of  love 
Come  brightly  wafting  through  the  gloom 
Our  peace-branch  from  above  ] 

6  Then  sorrow  touch'd  by  thee,  grows  bright, 

With  more  than  rapture's  ray ; 
As  darkness  shows  us  worlds  of  light, 
We  never  saw  by  day. 


HYMN   105.     ll's. 
/  would  not  live  alway.    Job  vii.  16. 
1  I  would  not  live  alway :  I  ask  not  to  stay 
Where  storm  after  storm  rises  dark  o'er  the  way ; 
The  few  lurid  mornings  that  dawn  on  us  here, 
Are  enough  for  life's  woes,  full  enough  for  its  cheer. 

2  I  would  not  live  alway,  thus  fetter'd  by  sin ; 
Temptation  without,  and  corruption  within: 
E'en  the  rapture  of  pardon  is  mingled  with  fears, 
And  the  cup  of  thanksgiving  with  penitent  tears. 

3  I  would  not  live  alway;  no — welcome  the  tomb! 
Since  Jesus  has  laid  there,  I  dread  not  its  gloom ; 
There  sweet  be  my  rest,  till  he  bid  me  arise 

To  hail  him  in  triumph  descending  the  skies. 

4  Who,  who  would  live  alway,  away  from  his  God ; 
Away  from  yon  heaven,  that  blissful  abode, 

Where  the  rivers  of  pleasure  flow  o'er  the  bright  plains, 
And  the  noon-tide  of  glory  eternally  reigns ; 

5  Where  the  saints  of  all  ages  in  harmony  meet, 
Their  Saviour  and  brethren,  transported  to  greet: 
While  the  anthems  of  rapture  unceasingly  roll, 
And  the  smile  of  the  Lord  is  the  feast  of  the  soul ! 


298  FAMILY  RELIGION. 

HYMN   106.    C.  M. 

Christ  Precious.     1  Peter,  ii.  7. 

1  How  sweet  the  name  of  Jesus  sounds 

In  a  believer's  ear  ! 
It  soothes  his  sorrows,  heals  his  wounds, 
And  drives  away  his  fear. 

2  It  makes  the  wounded  spirit  whole, 

And  calms  the  troubled  breast ; 
'Tis  manna  to  the  hungry  soul, 
And  to  the  weary  rest. 

3  By  him  my  prayers  acceptance  gain, 

Although  with  sin  defiled, 
Satan  accuses  me  in  vain, 
And  I  am  owned  a  child. 

4  Weak  is  the  effort  of  my  heart, 

And  cold  my  warmest  thought ; 
But  when  I  see  thee  as  thou  art, 
I'll  praise  thee  as  I  ought. 

5  Till  then  I  would  thy  love  proclaim, 

With  every  fleeting  breath  ; 
And  may  the  music  of  thy  name 
Refresh  my  soul  in  death. 


HYMN  107.    L.  M. 

1  Awake,  my  soul,  in  joyful  lays, 

And  sing  thy  great  Redeemer's  praise ; 
He  justly  claims  a  song  from  thee, 
His  loving  kindness,  O  how  free ! 

2  He  saw  me  ruined  in  the  fall, 
Yet  loved  me,  notwithstanding  all 
He  saved  me  from  my  lost  estate, 
His  loving-kindness,  O  how  great ! 

3  Though  numerous  hosts  of  mighty  foes, 
Though  earth  and  hell  my  way  oppose, 
He  safely  leads  my  soul  along, 

His  loving-kindness,  O  how  strong ! 


FAMILY  HYMNS.  290 

4  When  trouble,  like  a  gloomy  cloud, 
Has  gathered  thick,  and  thundered  loud, 
He  near  my  soul  has  always  stood, 

His  loving  kindness,  O  how  good ! 

5  Often  I  feel  my  sinful  heart 
Prone  from  my  Saviour  to  depart ; 
But  though  I  oft  have  him  forgot, 
His  loving-kindness  changes  not. 

6  Soon  shall  I  pass  the  gloomy  vale 
Soon  all  my  mortal  powers  must  fail ; 
O  may  my  last  expiring  breath 

His  loving-kindness  sing  in  death  ! 

7  Then  let  me  mount  and  soar  away, 
To  the  bright  world  of  endless  day ; 
And  sing  with  rapture  and  surprise, 
His  loving-kindness  in  the  skies. 


HYMN   108.    CM. 

1  O  for  a  heart  to  praise  my  God, 

A  heart  from  sin  set  free  ! 
A  heart  that  always  feels  thy  blood, 
So  freely  shed  for  me ! 

2  A  heart  resigned,  submissive,  meek  ; 

My  great  Redeemer's  throne ; 
Where  only  Christ  is  heard  to  speak; 
Where  Jesus  reigns  alone  ! 

3  A  heart  in  every  thought  renewed, 

And  full  of  love  divine; 
Holy,  and  right,  and  pure,  and  good — 
A  copy,  Lord,  of  thine ! 


300  FAMILY  RELIGION. 


DOXOLOGIES. 
L.  M. 

To  God  the  Father,  God  the  Son, 
And  God  the  Spirit,  Three  in  One, 
Be  honour,  praise,  and  glory  given, 
By  all  on  earth,  and  all  in  heaven. 

C.  M. 

To  Father,  Son,  and  Holy  Ghost, 

The  God  whom  we  adore, 
Be  glory  as  it  was,  is  now, 

And  shall  be  evermore. 

S.  M. 

Ye  angels  round  the  throne, 

And  saints  that  dwell  below, 
Worship  the  Father,  praise  the  Son, 

And  bless  the  Spirit  too. 

7's. 

Sing  we  to  our  God  above 
Praise  eternal  as  his  love, 
Praise  him,  all  ye  Heavenly  host, 
Father,  Son,  and  Holy  Ghost. 

8's,  7's,  4's. 

Great  Jehovah  !  we  adore  thee, 
God  the  Father,  God  the  Son, 

God  the  Spirit,  join'd  in  glory 
On  the  same  Eternal  Throne  : 

Endless  praises 

To  Jehovah,  Three  in  One. 

8's,  8's,  6's. 

To  Father,  Son,  and  Holy  Ghost, 
Be  praise  amid  the  Heavenly  host, 

And  in  the  Church  below  : 
From  whom  all  creatures  draw  their  breath, 
By  whom  redemption  bless'd  the  earth 

From  whom  all  comforts  flow. 

As  the  113th  Psalm. 

Now  to  the  great  and  sacred  Three, 
The  Father,  Son,  and  Spirit,  be 

Eternal  praise  and  glory  given, 
Through  all  the  worlds  where  God  is  known, 
By  all  the  Angels  near  the  throne, 

And  all  the  Saints  in  earth  and  Heaven. 

As  the  148th  Psalm. 

To  God  the  Father's  throne 
Perpetual  honours  raise; 
Glory  to  God  the  Son, 
To  God  the  Spirit  praise  ; 
With  all  our  powers, 
Eternal  King, 
Thy  name  we  sing, 
While  faith  adores. 


THE    END. 


wftf. 


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